A United States national is accused of traveling to New Zealand to carry out a contract killing allegedly arranged by an organized criminal group. According to new information revealed by RNZ, the man has been charged in connection with the August 2024 murder of Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Vi.
Authorities believe the suspect entered New Zealand, carried out the shooting, and later returned to the United States, where he is also facing multiple serious criminal charges, including attempted murder.
The case remained largely hidden from the public due to strict suppression orders, which were recently lifted by the court, allowing more details to emerge.
Alleged Contract Killing Linked To Organized Crime
Investigators believe Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, a US-based individual, traveled to New Zealand after allegedly being sent by an organized criminal group operating in the United States. Authorities suspect his purpose was to carry out a targeted killing.
However, information obtained from court documents indicates that 59-year-old courier driver Tuipulotu Vi may not have been the intended target of the attack.
According to the allegations, the 26-year-old suspect acted together with unidentified accomplices when the fatal shooting occurred.
Murder Of Auckland Courier Driver Tuipulotu Vi
The killing occurred in Pakuranga Heights, Auckland, in August 2024. Police reported that Tuipulotu Vi was discovered inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Authorities later launched a homicide investigation under Operation Block, which began on 19 August 2024. The operation focuses on uncovering the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting on Marvon Downs Avenue.
Court Lifts Suppression Orders
For months, the connection between the suspect and the New Zealand killing remained concealed due to extensive suppression orders obtained by police.
These legal restrictions prevented media outlets from reporting important details about the alleged crime.
On Friday, Judge Yelena Yelavich lifted those suppression orders after RNZ challenged the restrictions and police chose not to request their continuation.
Following that decision, media organizations were able to reveal the alleged international link between the suspect and the murder investigation.
Suspect Returned To The United States After Killing
Authorities believe that after the killing in Auckland, Tangi returned to the United States.
Shortly afterward, he allegedly became involved in another violent incident in Oakley, California.
Police reports state that on 27 August, officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 3:00 a.m. Residents reported hearing gunfire and said the suspect fled in a dark-colored Ford F150 pickup truck.
California Shooting And Police Pursuit
While responding to the shooting incident, police noticed a vehicle matching the description provided by witnesses.
The driver initially pulled over when approached by officers but suddenly sped away, leading police on a pursuit.
Law enforcement eventually deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle, which led to the arrest of Tanginoa Tangi.
Police later confirmed that the shooting appeared to be a targeted attack, and investigators believed there were no additional suspects involved.
Authorities reported that the victim had just returned home and was exiting his vehicle when the suspect allegedly shot him multiple times.
Criminal Charges In The United States
Court documents obtained by RNZ reveal that Tangi currently faces several charges in the United States, including:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Attempted Murder | Allegedly shooting a victim multiple times |
| Shooting At An Occupied Vehicle | Discharging a firearm at a vehicle with someone inside |
| Reckless Evading Police | Fleeing from police during a high-speed pursuit |
| Firearm Possession | Illegal possession of a weapon |
Tangi has pleaded not guilty to these charges and is expected to stand trial next month.
If convicted in the United States, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.
Possible Extradition To New Zealand
Authorities in California have confirmed they are aware of an extradition request from New Zealand.
A spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office said Tangi had been verbally informed of the extradition warrant related to the New Zealand case.
However, officials clarified that extradition proceedings will likely occur only after the criminal trial in California concludes.
Once the US case is resolved, authorities expect the extradition process to move forward, allowing New Zealand investigators to pursue charges connected to the Auckland homicide.
Other Suspects Charged In The Murder Case
Police in New Zealand have confirmed that two additional individuals have already been charged in relation to Tuipulotu Vi’s death.
The case remains active, with authorities continuing to examine evidence and determine the full circumstances behind the killing.
Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers from the Counties Manukau Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) confirmed that the US suspect represents the third person charged in connection with the homicide.
International Cooperation In The Investigation
The case has involved cooperation between multiple agencies and international authorities.
RNZ contacted several organizations, including:
- New Zealand Police
- United States law enforcement agencies
- The FBI
- Interpol
- New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- The US Embassy in Wellington
Officials have largely declined to comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
However, the US Embassy confirmed that American law enforcement authorities regularly assist New Zealand counterparts when appropriate.
Border Security And Travel Screening
New Zealand Customs authorities explained that every passenger entering the country undergoes risk assessments using several screening systems.
These checks include reviewing details submitted through the New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
If any concerns arise, travelers may be referred to Immigration New Zealand for further verification before being allowed entry into the country.
Conclusion
The alleged involvement of a US-based suspect in a New Zealand murder case highlights the growing complexity of international crime investigations. Authorities believe Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi traveled from the United States to New Zealand to carry out a killing connected to an organized criminal group, although the victim may not have been the intended target.
With the suspect currently facing serious criminal charges in California, New Zealand officials are awaiting the outcome of the US court proceedings before initiating an extradition process.
As investigations continue and multiple suspects face charges, law enforcement agencies across countries remain engaged in uncovering the full circumstances behind the 2024 murder of courier driver Tuipulotu Vi.
FAQs
Who is accused of the New Zealand murder case?
Authorities allege that Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, a US resident, traveled to New Zealand to carry out the killing of Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Vi.
Was the victim the intended target?
Investigators believe Tuipulotu Vi may not have been the intended target, suggesting the killing could have been a case of mistaken identity.
What happens next in the case?
The suspect is currently facing charges in the United States. If convicted or once the case concludes, New Zealand authorities may seek extradition.