AFTER an extensive joint investigation with several other police agencies throughout Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Police on Friday 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,” said VPD Constable Tania Visintin. “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,” said 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.
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