An individual from the United States has been accused of traveling to New Zealand with the purpose of carrying out a murder on behalf of an organized criminal group before returning to his home country, as reported by RNZ.
The man is facing charges for the murder of Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Vi in August 2024.
Authorities believe that after committing the crime in New Zealand, he flew back to the USA where he allegedly attempted to commit another murder. He has been charged in the US and could potentially receive a life sentence with the chance of parole if convicted.
The details surrounding the man’s involvement in the New Zealand murder were kept confidential due to extensive suppression orders obtained by the police, preventing the publication of the circumstances of the alleged offense.
On Friday, Judge Yelena Yelavich lifted these orders after opposition from RNZ and with the police not seeking to extend them.
RNZ can now disclose that Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi was reportedly sent to New Zealand by a US-based organized crime group to carry out a targeted killing, although it is believed that the 59-year-old Vi was not the intended victim.
Court documents obtained by RNZ allege that the 26-year-old was involved in the murder of Vi with unidentified individuals.
Vi was found with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to earlier police statements.
Following the murder, Tangi returned to the USA and in August of the following year, he allegedly attempted to murder a man in a shooting incident in Oakley, California.
Documents reveal that Tangi is facing charges in the US for attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle, reckless driving while fleeing from police, and firearm possession. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Authorities in the US are aware of an extradition warrant from New Zealand for Tangi and once his case in California concludes, extradition proceedings are expected to move forward.
Two other individuals have also been charged with the murder of Vi and are currently facing legal proceedings.
‘Investigation ongoing’
In a statement provided to RNZ, police confirmed that a third individual has been charged with murder as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a courier driver in Pakuranga Heights in 2024.
Operation Block was initiated to investigate the murder of Tuipulotu Vi, leading to a murder charge being filed against a 26-year-old suspect who is currently in custody in the US and undergoing the extradition process.
Counties Manukau CIB detective inspector Shaun Vickers stated that the investigation is still ongoing and they are collaborating with relevant authorities to bring closure to the case.
As the legal proceedings are active, police are unable to provide further details at this time.
RNZ has reached out to various government agencies, the FBI, and Interpol for additional information related to the case.
While some agencies were unable to comment or provide information, the US Embassy in Wellington reiterated their commitment to assisting New Zealand authorities as needed.
Customs stated that they conduct risk assessments on all passengers arriving in New Zealand and refer any concerns to Immigration New Zealand for verification.
