Male Arrested After Used Vehicle Oil Scam in Uxbridge

A male is facing charges after using an oil scam to fraudulently purchase a vehicle at a lower value from a seller.

On Monday, April 27, 2026, the victim arranged to meet with a suspect in Uxbridge after listing a vehicle for sale on Facebook Marketplace. 

Following a test drive, the suspect poured engine oil onto the engine while a second suspect distracted the victim. The suspects then claimed the engine was blown and leaking oil, significantly reducing the value of the vehicle. As a result, the victim agreed to sell the vehicle for substantially less than the original asking price.

On Friday, May 1, 2026, police became aware that the same vehicle had been listed on Facebook Marketplace at nearly its original price. The listing also showed an odometer reading approximately half of the vehicle’s legitimate mileage.

Later that day, investigators from the Financial Crimes Unit located and arrested the suspect without incident.

The accused is also currently wanted on multiple warrants by San Jose Police Department in California.

A photo of the accused is attached and can be viewed at www.drps.ca

Mogos CONSTANTIN, age 38 from Romania is charged with: Fraud Over $5000, Mischief, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Alter the Odometer of a Motor Vehicle, and Use Plate Not Authorized for Motor Vehicle.

CONSTANTIN is also known to go by the alias ‘Catalin IONASCU’

He was held for a bail hearing. 

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst Kane of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5371.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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