Vancouver: A Vancouver police officer, Kalwinder Singh Bedi, alias Kal Dosanjh, has been suspended without pay by the Vancouver Police Board after being arrested along with an associate in an alleged financial fraud case.
Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said during a press conference that the investigation had continued for around two and a half years. Police received complaints from a large number of people who alleged that money they had entrusted to Bedi had been withheld. However, many complainants were unable to provide evidence establishing the source of the funds involved.
According to police, investigators have found evidence involving 19 people and around C$3 million in alleged fraud. Police have laid nine charges against Bedi and eight charges against his alleged associate.
Rai said the case had affected the reputation of the Vancouver Police Department, which has around 2,500 officers. He expressed disappointment that a person known for helping young people who had gone off track had allegedly become involved in such a case.
Investigation dates back to 2017
Police said the alleged fraud may have begun as early as 2017, with the amount involved allegedly increasing over subsequent years. Complaints were received in December 2023, after which a formal investigation was launched.
Police have also initiated proceedings to seize assets allegedly acquired through unlawful means following the registration of the case.
Asked whether the allegations were connected to Bedi’s non-profit organisation, Rai said he could not disclose further details because the matter is now before the court.
Bedi’s lawyer, however, maintained that his client is innocent and said it would be inappropriate to question his character before the court reaches a decision.
