SFPD Arrests Three Vallejo Men In Chinatown Pickpocket Thefts

San Francisco Police Department arrested three Vallejo suspects for a series of targeted Chinatown pickpocket thefts that began in early April. Reports described multiple incidents across busy neighborhood streets, including one victim losing about $4,000 in property. Foot patrol officers identified the suspects with community help after a weeks-long investigation. Police used intelligence tools, including automated license plate readers and a drone, to locate the suspects’ vehicle and stop them in Chinatown. Video footage showed the suspects allegedly working together to shield victims while one reached into bags in broad daylight. Officers arrested Stefan Ruset, Marian Constantine, and Florin Matei on felony grand theft and conspiracy charges and misdemeanor possession of stolen property. A warrant search in Vallejo recovered more than $14,000 in currency and stolen items linked to a 2024 case, along with clothing believed used in prior thefts. Investigations remain open and active.

"The department began receiving reports of multiple cases throughout the neighborhood beginning in early April, with one victim having about $4,000 worth of property stolen. Foot patrol officers from the Central Station reportedly identified the suspects with the help of the community after a weeks-long investigation. On Saturday, police were able to track the suspects' vehicle with the help of the department's various intelligence tools, including automated license plate readers and a drone, according to the SFPD."

"The department located the suspects in their car in Chinatown, sizing up their next victims. As can be seen in the video footage shared by the SFPD, the thieves allegedly worked in tandem to form a shield while one suspect reached into the victims' bags all in broad daylight on busy Chinatown streets. Officers arrested Stefan Ruset, 35, Marian Constantine, 30, and Florin Matei, 26, all from Vallejo, Saturday."

"They were booked into the San Francisco County Jail on felony charges of grand theft and conspiracy, and misdemeanor possession of stolen property, which was recovered and returned to the victims. On Sunday, officers served a warrant at the suspects' residence in Vallejo, where they recovered more than $14,000 in US currency, as well as stolen property linked to a 2024 pickpocket case, per the SFPD. Police also found clothing that was believed to have been worn during previous thefts."

Read at sfist.com