The investigation into high-profile Vancouver police officer Kal Dosanjh has so far turned up 19 alleged victims who suffered more than $3 million in combined losses, authorities revealed Friday. 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 following an internal investigation that spanned two-and-a-half years. At a news conference Friday, Chief Steve Rai called the allegations “profoundly troubling,” and a black eye for his department. Incidents like these “strike at the heart of the public trust” his approximately 2,500 officers, civilian members and volunteers work hard to maintain, Rai said. “It is deeply distressing when the actions of one individual—one individual—cast a shadow over the tremendous work of so many dedicated professionals who serve our city with honour every day,” he added. The chief also announced that he had suspended 50-year-old Dosanjh, “effectively immediately.” “Given the scope and gravity of these allegations, I have taken the strongest precautionary measures available to me. I have recommended to the Vancouver Police Board that Mr. Dosanjh be suspended without pay,” Rai said. Alleged conduct continued amid probe, police say Authorities said they are limited in what they can disclose about the allegations while the case is before the courts, including whether they are related to Dosanjh’s Kids Play Foundation, a non-profit with a mission of steering youth away from crime. Police did say Dosanjh’s alleged conduct took place between 2017 and 2025, and that their investigation began in December 2023 after multiple alleged victims came forward. CTV News asked why the department did not alert the public prior to this week, and whether police think it’s possible some of the alleged crimes could have been prevented had it done so. “The charges were formalized this week,” Insp. Mike Ritchie replied in an email statement. “The investigative team conducted continued risk assessments over the course of the investigation.” Asked whether the department took any actions to limit Dosanjh’s duties prior to his suspension, Ritchie noted the investigation was “covert,” but that the officer was “being monitored” while the years-long process was underway. Plainclothes and uniformed officers attended Dosanjh’s home Thursday, and could be seen removing a number of boxes from the property. Alliance Lawyers Oberoi Haban Malli LLP has said it is representing Dosanjh, and that he maintains his innocence. “An arrest, or a report that an arrest has occurred, is not evidence of guilt, misconduct, or criminal responsibility,” the Langley-based law firm said in a statement Thursday. “We ask that Mr. Dosanjh’s legal rights and privacy, as well as the privacy and well-being of his family, be respected, and that the integrity of any ongoing process be preserved.” A second man, 51-year-old Sarabjit Singh Gill, has also been charged in the investigation. Authorities said he and Dosanjh had a “business relationship.” Prior to the bombshell allegations against Dosanjh, his wife was running for city council under the Conservative Party of Surrey. Sandy Dosanjh is no longer doing so, the party confirmed in a statement Friday. “As Sandy is no longer a candidate for public office, we ask that her privacy be respected at this time so that she is able to focus on her family,” the statement added. Why did police investigate internally? During Friday’s news conference, Rai was asked why his department decided to investigate the allegations against Dosanjh internally, and about the possible perception of a conflict of interest given Dosanjh’s long tenure with the force. The chief argued there were limited options available due to the amount of resources the case demanded. Tasking the B.C. RCMP with the investigation was determined not to be feasible, in part because of the ongoing transition to a municipal police force in Surrey, Rai said. “Only a large department can lead that kind of investigation, and in this province that’s the RCMP or ourselves,” he added. “We had discussions with the RCMP and with what’s going on in the region with the transition, with bodies, with resources, it was determined with collective judgment we would maintain the file for the expertise required and the resources.” The department notified B.C.’s Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner at the outset of the internal investigation to ensure accountability and transparency, Rai said. Authorities also confirmed they have been in contact with the province’s Civil Forfeiture Office, which has launched a parallel legal process now that charges have been laid. The office seizes assets believed to have been acquired through illegal activity. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Police Department’s investigation remains ongoing, and Rai said a dedicated phone line has been established at 604-717-2601 for any potential additional victims who have yet to come forward. He also thanked the 19 alleged victims who have participated in the process so far for their “incredible strength, their resilience, and their unwavering commitment to justice.” “They stood together and they stood strong,” Rai said. “Today 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.” With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Lisa Steacy and Ben Miljure
