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.”
27 people were convicted as a result of Taskforce Tourniquet. Convictions included participation in a criminal organization, murder conspiracy, firearms trafficking and drug trafficking.
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
“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.
