VPD-led taskforce results in convictions against Metro Vancouver gangsters

After an extensive joint investigation with several other police agencies throughout Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Police today announced convictions against numerous gang members.

"In response to the increasing gang violence in 2017, Vancouver Police launched Taskforce Tourniquet. The VPD-led taskforce included officers from Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC), the RCMP, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), and local municipal police departments," says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD. "Together, the team launched several projects under the Tourniquet umbrella, including Projects Tariff, Temper, Triplet and Territory."

Twenty-seven people were convicted as a result of Taskforce Tourniquet. Convictions included participation in a criminal organization, murder conspiracy, firearms trafficking and drug trafficking.

"Today, as the final guilty plea related to this taskforce is entered, we can now report to the public the cumulative and final results," adds Constable Visintin. "The men convicted as a result of Taskforce Tourniquet were significant players in the gang conflict between March 2017 and August 2018. Their incarcerations and convictions led to a period of decreased shootings and murders between 2018 and 2020."

As a whole, Taskforce Tourniquet consisted of several joint enforcement projects, which have resulted in the seizure of more than 170 firearms, more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl, 40 kilograms of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and more than $2 million worth of cash, jewelry, and high-end vehicles.

Police continue to encourage people wanting to leave gang-life to use resources available through the CFSEU End Gang Life program. They can call the CFSEU Gang Exiting and Intervention helpline at 604-897-6023.

Backgrounder: Taskforce Tourniquet

Over the past three and a half years, the following individuals have been convicted as a result of Taskforce Tourniquet:

Project Territory

Sam Kang

Gary Kang

Ranbir Kang

Jitesh Vagh

Manveer Braich

Kristoffer Ghuman

Kyle Latimer

Craig Latimer

Csongor Szucs

Jacob Pereira

Anduele Pikientio

Pashmir Boparai

Noebin Malonga-Massamba

Mustapha Ali

Project Triplet

Denis Ogilvie

Project Temper

Walta Abay

Taqdir Gill

Hitkaran Johal

Sahajdeep Khunkhun

Jordan Leauli

Pawandeep Chopra

Simrat Lally

Project Tariff

Harjot Samra

Gurpreet Shillon

Farbn Japow

Mouayad Alhoomsi

Ayman Abo-Zaed