Vancouver police investigation identifies 19 alleged victims and more than $3 million in losses

Authorities say an investigation into Vancouver police officer Kal Dosanjh has identified 19 alleged victims whose combined losses exceed $3 million. Dosanjh, a 26-year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department, was charged this week with four counts of fraud over $5,000, four counts of theft over $5,000 and one count of breach of trust after a two-and-a-half-year internal investigation.

At a Friday news conference, Chief Steve Rai called the allegations profoundly troubling and a black eye for the department. He said such incidents strike at the public trust maintained by about 2,500 officers, civilian members and volunteers, and said it was distressing that one person’s actions could cast a shadow over the work of people serving Vancouver with honour.

Rai said 50-year-old Dosanjh was suspended effective immediately and that he had recommended the Vancouver Police Board suspend him without pay. Authorities said they were limited in what they could disclose while the case is before the courts, including whether the allegations concern Dosanjh’s Kids Play Foundation, a non-profit that aims to steer youth away from crime.

Police said the alleged conduct occurred between 2017 and 2025. The investigation began in December 2023 after several alleged victims came forward. Insp. Mike Ritchie said the charges were formalized this week and that investigators conducted continuing risk assessments throughout the investigation. He said the covert investigation involved monitoring Dosanjh. Plainclothes and uniformed officers attended his home Thursday and were seen removing several boxes.

Alliance Lawyers Oberoi Haban Malli LLP, a Langley firm representing Dosanjh, said he maintains his innocence. 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 the privacy and well-being of his family, be respected and that the integrity of ongoing processes be preserved.

A second man, 51-year-old Sarabjit Singh Gill, has also been charged. Authorities said Gill and Dosanjh had a business relationship. Dosanjh’s wife, Sandy Dosanjh, had been running for city council under the Conservative Party of Surrey before the allegations became public. The party confirmed Friday that she is no longer a candidate and asked that her privacy be respected so she can focus on her family.

Rai defended the decision to investigate internally, despite questions about a potential conflict of interest arising from Dosanjh’s long tenure. He said the resource demands left limited options and that assigning the matter to the B.C. RCMP was not feasible, partly because of Surrey’s ongoing transition to a municipal police force. Rai said the department consulted the RCMP and, considering the regional transition, staffing and resources, collectively decided Vancouver police should retain the file for the necessary expertise and resources.

The department notified B.C.’s Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner when the internal investigation began, Rai said. Authorities have also contacted the province’s Civil Forfeiture Office, which has begun a parallel legal process following the charges and can seize assets believed to have been acquired through illegal activity.

The Vancouver Police Department investigation remains ongoing. Rai said potential additional victims can call a dedicated line at 604-717-2601. He thanked the 19 alleged victims who have participated, saying their strength, resilience and commitment to justice had made a difference for themselves and community safety.