VANCOUVER Police Chief Constable Steve Rai told the media on Friday that they had identified 19 victims to date in the investigation involving well-known VPD Constable Kalwinder (Kal) Singh Dosanjh who has been charged with four counts of fraud over $5,000, four counts of theft over $5,000, and one count of breach of trust.
He said that following a lengthy and thorough investigation led by the VPD, Dosanjh, a 26-year member of Vancouver Police, was arrested for alleged criminal activity.
He noted that Crown Counsel approved charges on Thursday against Dosanjh, 50, and one other male, 51-year-old Sarabjit Singh Gill of Surrey.
Rai added: “Today, as we announce an arrest in this investigation, I am extending my sincere gratitude to our partners at the Crown Counsel Office for their invaluable work and collaboration throughout this investigation.”
Rai said: “I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the 19 victims who have been identified in this investigation to date. We recognize their incredible strength, their resilience, and their unwavering commitment to justice. They stood together and stood strong. We want them to know – we hear you. Your voice matters, and you have made a difference not just for yourselves, but for the safety of our communities.”
He added: “This matter is both significant and deeply concerning for the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). The arrest of a VPD officer strikes at the heart of the public trust we work hard every day to earn and maintain. Incidents like this are profoundly troubling and inconsistent with the values of our organization, and demand a thorough, transparent, and unwavering response.”
Rai said that as legal proceedings were now before the courts, the VPD is limited in the information it can provide at this time.
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He added: “Here is what I can share:
“In December of 2023, the VPD received information from multiple victims alleging criminal activity involving Mr. Dosanjh.
“Following an assessment of that information, I initiated an investigation into the actions of Mr. Dosanjh, and a dedicated VPD investigative team was established.
“From the outset, we took immediate steps to protect and support the victims by embedding a dedicated victim and witness management team within the investigation, while ensuring the allegations were thoroughly and properly investigated.
“Consistent with our commitment to accountability and transparency, we notified the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner (OPCC) at the outset of the investigation.”
Rai said : “The conduct at the centre of these allegations occurred between 2017 and 2025.
“Effective immediately, I have suspended Mr. Dosanjh.
“Given the scope and gravity of these allegations, I have taken the strongest precautionary measure available to me and have recommended to the Vancouver Police Board that Mr. Dosanjh be suspended without pay.
“If the Police Board adopts my recommendation, this suspension will remain in place while the criminal proceedings move through the courts and until any disciplinary proceedings under the Police Act are concluded.
“Throughout, the VPD will remain vigilant in protecting the public, preserving the integrity of the Department, and above all ensuring the safety of the victims.
“We recognize that there may be additional individuals and victims with information about Mr. Dosanjh’s alleged conduct who have not yet come forward.
“To support the ongoing investigation, a dedicated phone line has been established, and we encourage anyone with information to contact investigators at 604-717-2601.”
Rai stressed: “What I have shared with you today does not reflect the conduct or values of the VPD.
“Every day, our officers face difficult and challenging situations, and serve our community with integrity, compassion, professionalism, and respect. These allegations are deeply troubling, not only because of their seriousness, but because they have the potential to undermine the trust that our members work very hard to build and maintain with the public.
“Our officers have made a longstanding commitment to fostering positive relationships, strengthening understanding, and earning the confidence of the communities we serve. It is deeply distressing when the actions of one individual cast a shadow over the tremendous work of so many dedicated professionals who serve our city with honour each and every day.”
Rai added: “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the investigative team for their dedication and long-term commitment over these past two years.
“Our priorities remain the protection of the victims, the preservation of the integrity of this investigation, and ensuring the prosecution comes to a successful conclusion.”
VANCOUVER Police officers during the press conference, in response to questions from the media, said that Dosanjh was arrested in “a controlled traffic stop” in Surrey. He was released on Thursday night with certain court-imposed conditions after appearing before a judge.
Dosanjh was suspended on Thursday night and now “has no authorities or powers of a police officer in the province.” His service weapon is in the VPD’s possession.
The officers confirmed that the victims were all from the South Asian community and the 19 victims had suffered “over $3 million in losses.” They noted: “It is a trusting community and that trust could be manipulated.”
They confirmed that the KidsPlay Foundation office was searched.
The officers said that Dosanjh’s co-accused figured in three of the four charges in relation to different land developments. The relationship between the two men was a business one at the time of the alleged offences.
The officers said that the VPD has been in contact with the civil forfeiture office for an extended period of time. “Their processes will now be enacted as the criminal investigation is going through the courts,” they added.
When asked about the issue of a conflict of interest as the VPD was investigating one of its own officers, they pointed out that this was a two-plus years’ investigation and it needed a lot of resources and a lot of expertise, and only a large department could handle that kind of investigation. In B.C., there were only the VPD and the RCMP. “We had discussions with the RCMP,” they said. However, with the RCMP facing a transition in Surrey and other challenges, it was “determined with collective judgment” that the VPD would maintain the file for the expertise and resources required.
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