Winnipeg police seize $140,000 in stolen items, charge 3

Winnipeg police say they seized $140,000 worth of stolen items from a St. Vital home and charged three people following a six-month investigation into the theft and resale of tools. Police announced the investigation on Nov. 4, 2026.

According to the Winnipeg Police Service, its Property Crime Unit began investigating after officers identified an increase in power tool thefts from home renovation stores across the city. Police said investigators found that stolen tools were sold to people who then resold them online.

On Oct. 27, officers arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the alleged theft of $4,100 worth of tools and other merchandise from home renovation stores between Sept. 4 and Oct. 25. He was charged with six counts of theft under $5,000 and released on an undertaking.

Police said they identified two other people as buyers who resold stolen goods through online buy-and-sell platforms. Officers arrested them on Oct. 28 during a transaction involving stolen property advertised online.

A search warrant at a residence in a St. Vital neighbourhood led to the seizure of the stolen items and about $3,200 in Canadian currency, police said.

Ruslan Mykula, 34, and Liubov Mykula, 61, were each charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000. Police said Ruslan Mykula was detained in custody, while Liubov Mykula was released on an undertaking.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information can call the Property Crime Unit at 204-986-2426 or the Winnipeg Police Service Crime Tip Line at 204-986-6178.