By: Winnipeg Tribune Staff Writer
Winnipeg, April 18, 2024 - The Winnipeg Police Service's Property Crime Unit has made significant strides in an ongoing investigation into a large-scale theft of Apple electronic products, following an alert from an employee of an international parcel delivery company warehouse in January 2024.
The investigation, which led to the arrest of a 30-year-old male warehouse employee, Orville Beltrano, on January 22, 2024, unveiled a series of thefts spanning from September 2023 to mid-January 2024. Beltrano stands accused of stealing in-transit Apple electronics valued at approximately $1.4 million U.S. during this period. Authorities allege that Beltrano utilized online classified advertisements to sell the stolen goods.
Further investigation revealed that Beltrano had deposited over $900,000 in Canadian funds from the illicit sales into personal accounts. A portion of these funds was reportedly used to purchase a residence valued at over $600,000. The investigation culminated in Beltrano's arrest on April 17, 2024, at his residence.
Beltrano, a Winnipeg resident, now faces a litany of charges, including trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000, theft over $5,000, and laundering proceeds of crime.
Winnipeg Police urge anyone with pertinent information to come forward by contacting the Winnipeg Police Service at 204-986-2426, Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477), or online at winnipegcrimestoppers.org.