San Francisco Police Arrest Three Men in Chinatown Pickpocket Investigation

San Francisco police arrested three men on May 16 after tracking a vehicle into the city and observing the suspects near Chinatown. The arrests followed reports of multiple thefts in the neighborhood since early April. Officers from the Central Station used Automated License Plate Readers and a drone unit to monitor the vehicle.

The suspects parked near the area and allegedly began watching potential victims before officers moved in.

With assistance from local merchants and residents, officers identified three suspects connected to reported and unreported thefts. One victim reported losing approximately $4,000 in property. On May 17, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Vallejo.

During the operation, police recovered additional stolen property, more than $14,000 in cash, items linked to a 2024 theft, and clothing matching descriptions from earlier incidents.

The three men arrested were identified as Stefan Ruset, 35, Marian Constantine, 30, and Florin Matei, 26, all of Vallejo. All three were booked into San Francisco County Jail on felony grand theft and conspiracy charges, plus misdemeanor possession of stolen property.

SFPD Chief Derrick Lew said criminals targeting Chinatown or any other community in San Francisco is unacceptable. Central Station Captain Christopher Del Gandio said the partnership with the community demonstrates the importance of reporting all crime.