Bradford pair facing dozens of fraud related distraction theft charges
Posted September 5, 2025
A Nottawsaga OPP led investigation into distraction thefts across Ontario has resulted in two people from Bradford facing a total of 130 charges in relation to the crimes.
In the spring of 2025, the Central Region Crime Unit formed a working group dubbed Project Final, due to the pattern of criminal activity that started in October 2024, across the region and province, with the lead investigator being from the Nottawasaga Detachment.
"The accused parties had committed multiple thefts in the Nottawasaga area as well so the lead investigator very motivated to lead the investigation," said OPP communications officer Ashley Taylor.
"The investigation revealed that the accused employed tactics such as 'shoulder surfing' to observe victims entering their PINs at financial institutions. Once the PIN was obtained, the suspects would engage the victim in a verbal or physical distraction, during which the victim's debit card was covertly swapped with a previously stolen card. This method allowed the suspects to delay detection and use the stolen card to withdraw funds or make purchases, often in the form of gift cards. The average age of victims was approximately 75 years old."
The accused, who are cousins, are believed to be responsible for at least 23 identified occurrences involving distraction-style thefts targeting vulnerable individuals, primarily seniors..
Sasha Popisan Bravo, 24 of Bradford, is charged with:
• Fraud under $5,000 - 24 counts
• Property obtained by crime under $5,000 - 24 counts
• Theft of credit card - 23 counts
• Unauthorized use of credit card - 24 counts
• Conspiracy to commit indictable offence - one count
Dylan Chancafe Bravo, 18 of Bradford, is charged with:
• Fraud under $5,000 - eight counts
• Property obtained by crime under $5,000 - nine counts
• Theft of credit card - eight counts
• Unauthorized use of credit card - eight counts
• Conspiracy to commit indictable offence - one count
The OPP continues to investigate and encourages anyone who may have been a victim of similar thefts to come forward.
