VANCOUVER — A high-profile Vancouver police officer known for his work advocating against gangs and youth violence is facing nine criminal charges, including allegations of fraud, theft and breach of trust.
Kal Dosanjh, a veteran member of the Vancouver Police Department and the head of the Kids Play Foundation, 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.
According to court records, the alleged offences date back to 2017.
Police activity was visible at Dosanjh’s residence on Thursday, with both plainclothes and uniformed officers at the property. Officers were also seen removing several evidence boxes from the home.
Dosanjh has developed a significant public profile through his policing career and his involvement with the Kids Play Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on helping young people stay away from drugs, gangs and violence.
The Vancouver Police Department initially declined to provide details about the charges or Dosanjh’s current duty status. The department said Chief Const. Steve Rai and Supt. Mike Ritchie would hold a news conference Friday regarding charges resulting from what police described as a 2½-year covert investigation.
Dosanjh, through his lawyers, strongly denies any wrongdoing.
Alliance Lawyers Oberoi Haban Malli LLP, which identified itself as representing Dosanjh, said in a statement that its client has committed no crime and maintains his innocence.
The law firm stressed that an arrest or criminal charge does not constitute evidence of guilt or criminal responsibility and called for Dosanjh’s legal rights and privacy, as well as the privacy and well-being of his family, to be respected while the legal process continues.
The charges are particularly noteworthy because of Dosanjh’s prominent role as both a police officer and an advocate working to prevent young people from becoming involved in gangs and criminal activity.
However, the allegations remain before the courts and have not been proven. Under Canadian law, Dosanjh is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Further information about the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the charges is expected to emerge as police provide additional details and the case proceeds through the court system.