Four Lower Mainland properties are targeted in a B.C. forfeiture claim in connection with a drug-trafficking investigation launched by the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) two years ago that identified apparent plans to kill rival gang members.
According to a notice of claim filed July 11 by the director of civil forfeiture, the properties, including 12489 23 Ave., are owned by defendant Gavinder Steven Siekham, who is alleged to have “entered into agreements with Navpreet Dhaliwal and Anmol Sidhu with the intention to put their common design into effect in order to murder five individuals.”
Siekham became the registered owner of one property – currently assessed at $2.417 million – in May 2020, and of the other – assessed at $1.64 million – in May 2023.
According to the claim, Abbotsford Police in August 2022 began investigating a drug-trafficking operation allegedly run by Sandhu and Dhaliwal.
The claim states that following the pair's arrest on Nov. 10, 2022, a cellphone search warrant found “numerous chats and conversations that detailed the planning, logistics, and resources for several murders”; evidence related to money laundering and proceeds of crime; and details of a criminal organization created by Siekham “for directing Navpreet Dhaliwal and Anmol Sandhu in drug trafficking and murder.”
At a press conference earlier this year, the APD identified the trio as the focus of an investigation into murder conspiracy dubbed Project High Table. The three were each charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder; Sandhu and Dhaliwal were also charged with drug and gun offences.
On July 30, the APD issued a public warning after Sandhu and Dhaliwal were released from custody. Sgt. Paul Walker said the pair, who are living in west Abbotsford under house arrest and electronic monitoring, “present a significant public safety risk.”
Siekham remains in custody at this time, according to court records.
The civil claim document alleges murder conspiracies targeting five individuals were developed between June 11 and Nov. 10, 2022.
A residence at 5858 132 St. was used as a “drug stash house,” the claim continues.
During a search of the unit carried out on Feb. 21, 2024, police located nearly $82,000 cash; fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine (with a combined weight totalling nearly 12 kilograms); and more than 18,000 morphine pills, three handguns and five GPS trackers.
Cellphone searches “showed further evidence of large-scale drug trafficking and ongoing conspiracy to commit murder of rival gang members,” the claim states.
The civil forfeiture office is also staking claim to a Surrey property at 16511 Watson Dr. and a Langley property at 19760 55 Ave. in connection with the activities.
As well, the claim covers a 2023 Mercedes Benz and approximately $84,000 in Canadian currency – $81,993 seized from 5858 132 St., $2,220 seized from Siekham, $605 seized from Sandhu and $530 seized from Dhaliwal.
The funds, seized by APD on Feb. 21, were “bundled or packaged in a manner not consistent with standard banking practices,” the claim notes.
Defendant owners of the Watson Drive, 132 Street and 55 Avenue properties are identified in the claim as relatives of the accused, who “knew or ought to have known” about or “were wilfully blind” to the unlawful activities.
The director of civil forfeiture may apply to court to have property that is proceeds, or an instrument, of unlawful activity forfeited. Extensive legal basis for the claim is cited, including that cash with a total value exceeding $10,000 possessed by a member of a criminal organization “is proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that the cash is proceeds of unlawful activity.”
“The (four properties), the Vehicle, and the money have been used by the defendants to engage in unlawful activities which variously resulted in, or were likely to result in, the acquisition of property or an interest in property, or caused, or could have resulted in serious bodily harm," the notice of claim states.
A response to the notice of civil claim has not yet been filed.
– with files from Vikki Hopes
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