US National Accused in Transnational Murder Case Linked to Auckland Killing and California Shooting
A 26-year-old US national, Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, is facing extradition to Recent Zealand to face charges in connection with the 2024 murder of Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Vi. Authorities allege Tangi was sent to New Zealand by a US-based organized criminal group to carry out the killing, and subsequently attempted another shooting in Oakley, California, in 2025.
The Auckland Murder
Tuipulotu Vi, 59, was shot and killed in Pakūranga Heights, Auckland, in August 2024. Police initially withheld details of the case due to suppression orders, but these were lifted in March 2026 following a challenge from RNZ. Court documents indicate Vi may not have been the intended target of the shooting.
Three individuals have now been charged with Vi’s murder, with Tangi being the most recent.
Alleged Involvement in California Shooting
Following the Auckland shooting, Tangi allegedly returned to the United States. In August 2025, he was arrested in Oakley, California, in connection with a shooting incident. Police responded to reports of a shooting around 3:00 AM on August 27th, where a man had been shot even as exiting his vehicle.
According to the Oakley Police Department, Tangi was identified as the suspect and fled the scene in a Ford F150, leading to a police pursuit. He was eventually apprehended after police spiked his vehicle. He has been charged with attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle, fleeing from police, and firearm possession, and has pleaded not guilty.
Extradition and Investigation
Tangi is currently in US custody and faces a potential life sentence with the possibility of parole in the California case. The District Attorney’s office in California is aware of the pending charges in New Zealand and anticipates the extradition process will move forward after the conclusion of the US case.
The investigation into Vi’s death, known as Operation Block, commenced in August 2024. New Zealand Police are working with US authorities on the extradition process.
Transnational Crime Concerns
This case highlights growing concerns about transnational organized crime and the ability of criminal groups to deploy individuals across international borders for violent acts. The case is linked to Operation Mexted, a joint investigation targeting a transnational criminal cell involved in methamphetamine importation, firearm trafficking, and other offenses.