NEW YORK, NY – A man accused of orchestrating a series of audacious heists using his acting prowess to blend into various roles has been identified as Ionut Candea. Authorities allege that Candea, a Romanian national, has been involved in thefts across the United States, including high-profile cases in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and as far afield as Los Angeles, Chicago, and even Canada. His alleged crimes have netted him more than $1 million in cash and jewelry.
In a twist worthy of a Hollywood script, Candea is said to have adopted multiple personas, from an electrician to a sports enthusiast, to gain access to his targets. One New Yorker, who requested anonymity, recounted how Candea infiltrated her home disguised as a handyman. “I was upstairs when I noticed something was amiss,” she explained, recalling the horror of discovering her valuables missing. More unsettling than the loss, she noted, was the violation of her family’s sense of security.
The New York Police Department’s Major Case Squad has been diligently piecing together the puzzle of Candea’s activities. Over the course of several months, they linked him to 25 incidents, tallying up to a staggering $1.6 million in stolen goods. A breakthrough came when detectives finally put a name to the elusive face captured repeatedly on surveillance footage—Candea’s penchant for looking directly into security cameras proving to be his undoing.
Candea’s method, police say, involves more than just stealth. He is known to improvise convincingly when confronted, often portraying himself as a legitimate worker to allay suspicions. This ability to stay calm under pressure has enabled him to escape capture on multiple occasions, leaving behind a trail of bewildered victims.
One such victim, a father from New York, described the chilling moment he realized his home had been violated. Returning to find his house in disarray, he checked his security cameras only to see Candea moving through his home as his children slept. “It’s not just about the money,” he lamented. “It’s the peace of mind he’s stolen from us.”
Authorities are also investigating Candea’s involvement in several jewelry store thefts, where he allegedly used charm and distraction to make off with valuable gems. In one instance, he was caught on camera engaging a store clerk in conversation before deftly swiping diamonds from a display case.
Captain Ryan Gillis of the NYPD’s Major Case Squad is urging the public to assist in the hunt for Candea. “We need information on his whereabouts,” Gillis stated, emphasizing the collaborative effort required from both civilians and law enforcement agencies. The goal, he stressed, is to bring Candea to justice and prevent further victims from experiencing the trauma he leaves in his wake.
As the search for Candea intensifies, the impact of his crimes continues to resonate, particularly among families who now live in fear. “My kids still have nightmares,” one parent shared, highlighting the lasting emotional scars left by Candea’s actions. The manhunt continues, with authorities determined to end the string of crimes that have terrorized communities across the continent.