VPD Chief Steve Rai issues statement on Kalwinder Dosanjh’s arrest

Vancouver Police Department Chief Steve Rai issued a statement following the arrest of Kalwinder Singh Dosanjh, a 26-year member of the department, after what VPD described as a lengthy and thorough investigation into alleged criminal activity.

Dosanjh was arrested and taken into custody on September 3. Crown Counsel approved charges the following day against Dosanjh, 50, and another man, Sarabjit Singh Gill, 51, of Surrey, B.C. Dosanjh faces four counts of fraud over $5,000, four counts of theft over $5,000 and one count of breach of trust. The conduct at the centre of the allegations is said to have occurred between 2017 and 2025.

Rai said VPD received information from multiple victims in December 2023 alleging criminal activity involving Dosanjh. After assessing that information, he initiated an investigation and established a dedicated VPD investigative team. A victim and witness management team was embedded in the investigation to protect and support victims, and VPD notified the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner at the outset.

Rai said the department has identified 19 victims to date and acknowledged their strength, resilience and commitment to justice. He said the arrest of a VPD officer is deeply concerning because it can undermine public trust in the department.

Dosanjh has been suspended effective immediately. Rai said he has recommended that the Vancouver Police Board suspend him without pay. If the board adopts the recommendation, the suspension would remain in place while the criminal case proceeds and until any disciplinary proceedings under the Police Act are concluded.

VPD said it believes other people or victims may have information about Dosanjh’s alleged conduct and have not yet come forward. A dedicated phone line has been established, and investigators can be reached at 604-717-2601.

Rai thanked the investigative team for its work over the past two years and said the department’s priorities remain protecting victims, preserving the integrity of the investigation and ensuring the prosecution reaches a successful conclusion.