Overview

• Alexandra Calin, 36, Florentina Calin, 32, and Maricica Grecu, 23, are charged with theft under $5,000 in the Edmonton investigation.
• Arrest warrants are issued for Robert Pancu, 26, Rodica Panciu, 28, and Petre Calin, 28, as police pursue additional suspects and victims.
• Edmonton police report at least 63 distraction-theft complaints since May involving suspects who befriend targets, ask for hugs or place jewelry, then remove valuables.
• Investigators say the group operates in transient, family-like units linked to incidents from B.C. to Toronto, often fleeing in vehicles with out-of-province plates.
• CBSA joined the case after some suspects claimed protected status, and police urge people to keep distance from strangers, note licence plates if safe, and contact authorities.