A veteran Vancouver police officer, who stands charged with theft and fraud valued at more than $3 million, is denying the allegations against him, while his lawyer is questioning the independence of the covert police investigation that led to his arrest.
Kalwinder Dosanjh, a 26-year member of the Vancouver Police Department who is well known for his charitable work with a foundation called Kids Play, was arrested on Thursday in a case the department’s chief called “deeply distressing.”
The charges, including four counts of fraud over $5,000, four counts of theft over $5,000 and one count of breach of trust, relate to housing developments in which 19 alleged victims reportedly lost millions.
Dosanjh denied the allegations in a statement Tuesday, saying he looks forward to clearing his name in court.
“I have dedicated more than 26 years of my life to serving this community,” the statement said. “That work remains deeply important to me, and I intend to continue supporting the community I have served for so many years.”
Dosanjh said he has “complete confidence” in his lawyer and the justice system and will allow the facts of the case to speak for themselves.
‘Denies any wrongdoing’
His lawyer, Joven Narwal, said there are legitimate concerns about the independence and objectivity of the Vancouver police investigation into one of its own members.
In a statement, Narwal said concerns about investigative independence are particularly significant in Dosanjh’s case, given that the department itself has characterized the allegations as a matter of public trust.
“Mr. Dosanjh unequivocally denies any wrongdoing,” Narwhal said. “He is presumed innocent, and that presumption must be respected regardless of the prominence of the allegations or the manner in which the charges were announced.”
Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said last week that the department consulted the RCMP before deciding to keep the investigation internal to the department.
“It was a two-plus-year investigation,” he said. “That takes a lot of resources and a lot of expertise and in B.C., let’s be frank, only a large department can lead that kind of investigation in this province—that’s the RCMP or ourselves.”
Rai said it was decided the VPD would conduct the investigation into its member due to “the expertise required and the resources.”
Police say the alleged criminal conduct happened between 2017 and 2025.
“It is deeply distressing when the actions of one individual cast a shadow over the tremendous work of so many dedicated professionals who serve our city with honour every day,” Rai said.
Supt. Mike Ritchie said Vancouver police searched the premises of the Surrey-based Kids Play organization on Thursday.
More victims sought
Ritchie said there may be more charges and more victims in the case, and investigators have set up a dedicated phone line for anyone who may have been affected to come forward.
“We anticipate a number of other victims, so there is a possibility,” he said. “It is an active, ongoing investigation. The current charges are before the courts, but we do anticipate further victims coming forward.”
Police say the investigation into Dosanjh began in December 2023, when several victims reported the allegations of “criminal activity.”
It led to the establishment of a dedicated investigative team that undertook a covert investigation until Dosanjh’s arrest during what police called a “controlled” traffic stop in Surrey.
Dosanjh has been suspended, removing his powers as a police officer, and his service weapon had been seized, Ritchie said.
Rai recommended to the Vancouver Police Board that Dosanjh’s suspension be without pay for the duration of any proceedings.
“If the Police Board adopts my recommendation, this suspension will remain in place while the criminal proceedings move through the courts and until any disciplinary proceedings under the Police Act are concluded,” he said.
Dosanjh said the allegations have been difficult for him and his family, and they will not make further public comments while the case proceeds.
With files from The Canadian Press
