Vancouver police officer and anti-gang advocate charged with fraud, theft and breach of trust

Veteran Vancouver police officer Kal Dosanjh, who also leads a non-profit intended to steer young people away from crime, has been charged with nine offences. Court records show he was charged Thursday with four counts of theft over $5,000, four counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of breach of trust by a public officer. The alleged offences date to 2017.

Plainclothes and uniformed officers were at Dosanjh’s home throughout Thursday and were seen removing several boxes of evidence. His charity, Kids Play Foundation, says its mandate is to keep children away from lifestyles involving drugs, gangs and violence.

Vancouver Police Department declined to comment on the charges or Dosanjh’s duty status, but has scheduled a news conference for Friday. Chief Const. Steve Rai and Supt. Mike Ritchie are expected to announce charges connected with a 2.5-year covert investigation.

Alliance Lawyers Oberoi Haban Malli LLP, identifying itself as Dosanjh’s counsel, told CTV News that he has committed no crime and is innocent of wrongdoing. The firm said an arrest or a report of an arrest is not evidence of guilt, misconduct or criminal responsibility, and asked that his legal rights and privacy, as well as his family’s privacy and well-being, be respected while the integrity of any ongoing process is preserved.