The conviction of over two dozen Metro Vancouver gangsters marks the success of a four-year task force led by the Vancouver Police Department.
In response to the increasing gang violence in 2017, Vancouver Police launched Taskforce Tourniquet. The task force included officers from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC, the RCMP, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, and municipal police departments. Today (July 9), Vancouver Police announced convictions against 27 gang members for charges relating to participation in a criminal organization, murder conspiracy as well as firearms and drug trafficking.
“The men convicted as a result of Taskforce Tourniquet were significant players in the gang conflict between March 2017 and August 2018,” says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD. “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 kgs of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and more than $2 million worth of cash, jewellery, 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.
Over the past three-and-a-half years, the following individuals have been convicted as a result of projects within 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
- Pawandeep Chopra
- Simrat Lally
- *Young offender*
- *Young offender*
Project Tariff
- Harjot Samra
- Gurpreet Shillon
- Mouayad Alhoomsi
- Ayman Abo-Zaed
- *Young offender*
