Key Moments
Guilty Pleas in Conspiracy to Murder
Five United Nations gang members and associates pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder the Bacon brothers and their associates.Drug Trafficking Convictions
Two of the accused were also convicted for drug trafficking offenses involving cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.Details of Violent Tactics
Evidence shows gang members used guns, grenades, and attempted public shootings to eliminate competition.Ongoing Investigation and Arrest Warrants
The investigation continues with two individuals still wanted with Canada-wide arrest warrants.Five United Nations gang members and their associates have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder Jonathan David Bacon, James Kyle Bacon and Jarrod Wayne Bacon and their associates. The co-conspirators pleaded guilty in B.C. Supreme Court today and include:
- Yong Sung John Lee,
- Dilun Heng,
- Barzan Tilli-Choli,
- Karwan Ahmet Saed
- Ion Kroitoru
Two of the accused were also found guilty of drug trafficking. Saed was convicted of possession of cocaine and heroin for the purpose of trafficking and Kroitoru was found guilty of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and marijuana between B.C. and Ontario.
Evidence contained in an agreed statement of facts released by the courts shows these gang members have no regard for public safety and are willing to do whatever they will to eliminate the competition. That includes the use of guns and grenades and attempting to shoot their rivals in public places.
This was a joint investigation by CFSEU-BC and IHIT. “While CFSEU-BC’s initial investigation focused on the international drug trafficking activities of the United Nations, as the gang violence continued to increase, the focus moved towards mitigating that violence,” says Chief Superintendent Dan Malo, Chief Officer of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia.
During the time of the conspiracy, from January 1, 2008 until February 16, 2009, police stopped at least two murders and attempted murders from occurring.
“As the statement of fact shows, these individuals were intent on doing harm and it didn’t matter to them where that might occur—at a local tanning salon, restaurant or in the City of Montreal at a Ultimate Fighting Championship event,” Chief Officer Malo adds, noting the successful conclusion of this joint investigation speaks directly to the ongoing cooperation between IHIT and CFSEU-BC.
As IHIT emphasizes, today’s guilty pleas do not signify the end of this investigation. Two other individuals, Conor D’Monte and Cory “Frankie” Vallee, have also been charged and have Canada-wide warrants issued for their arrest. IHIT continues to ask anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-4448, or, Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477
