A warrant has been issued for three family members charged after their cafe in Winnipeg was spray-painted with anti-Semitic graffiti last year.

Public mischief charges were laid against Oxana Berent, her husband Alexander and son Maxim after police alleged the trio had staged the crime.

The lawyer for the family says they relocated to Los Angeles in January and are unable to return to Canada for trial due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He says the warrant essentially puts a pause on court proceedings until pandemic travel restrictions are lifted.