OPP charges two Bradford residents with 130 counts in distraction-theft probe

THUNDER BAY – NEWS — Hard work by the Ontario Provincial Police has cracked a case of “shoulder surfing”.

A province-wide investigation into distraction-style thefts targeting primarily seniors has led to 130 criminal charges against two Bradford residents, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say in a release.

The pattern of thefts began in October 2024 and was identified by OPP Central Region investigators in the spring of 2025 under Project Final.

How the scheme worked

Police allege the suspects used “shoulder surfing” to watch victims enter bank machine PINs, then created a verbal or physical distraction to swap the victim’s debit card with a previously stolen card.

The stolen cards were then used to withdraw cash or purchase items such as gift cards.

Investigators say the average victim age was ~75 years of age.

Charges laid

Sasha Popisan Bravo, 24, of Bradford

• Fraud under $5,000 — 24 counts

• Property obtained by crime under $5,000 — 24 counts

• Theft of credit card — 23 counts

• Unauthorized use of a credit card — 24 counts

• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence — 1 count

Co-accused: Dylan Chancafe Bravo, 18, of Bradford

• Fraud under $5,000 — 8 counts

• Property obtained by crime under $5,000 — 9 counts

• Theft of credit card — 8 counts

• Unauthorized use of a credit card — 8 counts

• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence — 1 count

The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court

Potential penalties on conviction (Criminal Code, maximums)

• Fraud not exceeding $5,000 — s.380(1)(b): Hybrid; up to 2 years’ imprisonment if indictable, or up to 2 years less a day and/or a $5,000 fine if summary (general summary limit under s.787(1)).

• Possession of property obtained by crime ≤$5,000 — s.354(1), s.355(b): Hybrid; up to 2 years (indictable), or summary: up to 2 years less a day and/or $5,000 fine.

• Theft/forgery/possession/use of a credit card — s.342(1) (includes “unauthorized use” and theft): Hybrid; up to 10 years (indictable), or summary: up to 2 years less a day and/or $5,000 fine.

• Unauthorized use of credit-card data — s.342(3) (where applicable): same penalty range as above.

• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence — s.465(1)(c): punishable by the same maximum as the underlying indictable offence (e.g., up to 10 years if the object offence is s.342(1); up to 2 years if the object is s.380(1)(b) or s.355(b)). Justice Laws

Note: Maximums are stated above; actual sentences depend on the facts, any prior record, and sentencing principles. Some offences also allow restitution orders and other ancillary orders at sentencing.

OPP appeal for information

Investigators believe the pair are linked to at least 23 distraction-theft occurrences. Anyone with information or who believes they were victimized should contact Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122 (Ref: E250367401). Anonymous tips: Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Why this matters to You in Northwestern Ontario?

Distraction thefts and PIN “shoulder surfing” also occur in Thunder Bay and regional communities. Reminders: shield your PIN, retain your card in sight, and if approached or confused at an ATM, cancel the transaction and alert staff/police immediately.