Two arrested in extortion and theft case

WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE

Case #: 26-25981

Two arrested in extortion and theft case

The Windsor Police Service has arrested two men in connection with an extortion and theft investigation.

On March 12, 2026, officers responded to a report from a supervisor of a cellphone business regarding an alleged $24,000 fraud. An investigation by the Major Crimes Unit revealed that in January 2026, a man went to the business, located in the 7600 block of Tecumseh Road East, and pressed a sharp object against an employee’s back.

The suspect threatened to harm the employee and his family if his demands were not met. He also disclosed personal information that caused the employee to fear for his personal safety.

Over the course of eight separate incidents between January and March, the suspect and a second man attended the store and coerced the employee into providing cellphones. In total, the suspects obtained 12 new iPhones through threats and intimidation.

Investigators identified the two suspects as Anthony Jason Elias, 36, and Nicolae Popescu, 36.

On March 15, Popescu was arrested at a residence in east Windsor. He has been charged with two counts of fraud under $5,000.

On March 28, members of the Windsor Police Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Unit located and arrested Elias at a residence in East Windsor. He has been charged with one count of extortion and six counts of theft under $5,000.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Major Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.