Ottawa men facing conspiracy to commit murder in Vancouver case

Two Ottawa men are among four charged by Vancouver police through Project Territory, a key element of Taskforce Tourniquet, which has proven to be one of Metro Vancouver's most successful multi-agency gang crime investigations.

The taskforce has consisted of several joint enforcement projects, which so far have resulted in the seizure of more than 170 firearms, more than 10 kg of fentanyl, 40 kg of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and more than $2-million worth of cash, jewelry, and high-end vehicles.

Moeen Khan, 22, of Surrey, British Columbia, Pashminder Boparai, 30, of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Mustapha Ali, 28, of Ottawa, and Nobin Malonga-Massamba, 23, of Ottawa, have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. 

Ali and Malonga-Massamba each face additional charges related to firearm offences and are in custody. 

The two BC men are wanted on Canada-wide warrants.

“These arrests represent the success of ongoing partnerships and cooperation at a national level, including the Ottawa Police Service, to combat this serious public safety issue,” said Superintendent Mike Porteous, Vancouver Police Department.

Taskforce Tourniquet was formed in March 2017 by the VPD, in response to increasing gang violence in Metro Vancouver. It has since grown to include officers from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC), the RCMP, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), and local municipal police departments, and has resulted in a total of 209 charges against 38 individuals.

“Gangs and the individuals involved in associated violence operate through multiple jurisdictions and are not bound by borders,” said Superintendent Paul Dadwal, CFSEU-BC. “The police response must also be strategic and intelligence-led throughout our policing partners as indicative in our collective efforts in this joint investigation between the CFSEU-BC, VPD, and all of the Lower Mainland partners.”