Alleged ‘Hitman’ Linked to Auckland Murder Faces Charges in California

A US national, Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, is accused of flying to New Zealand to carry out a targeted killing in Auckland in August 2024, before allegedly attempting a similar crime in California. He is currently in custody in California facing multiple charges, including attempted murder.

Auckland Killing and Operation Block

Tuipulotu Vi, a 59-year-old Auckland courier driver, was shot and killed on Marvon Downs Ave in Pakūranga Heights on August 19, 2024 [1]. Police allege Tangi, 26, was sent to New Zealand by a US-based organized criminal group to commit the murder [4]. Investigators believe Vi was not the intended target [4].

The investigation, dubbed Operation Block, remains ongoing, and a third person has been charged with murder in connection with Vi’s death [3]. Police are working with US authorities regarding Tangi’s extradition [3].

Alleged Crimes in California

Following the Auckland shooting, Tangi allegedly returned to the United States and, in August 2025, attempted another targeted shooting in Oakley, California [2]. He was arrested after a vehicle pursuit following a shooting where a man was shot multiple times outside his home [2].

Tangi faces charges in California including attempted murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, fleeing a pursuing police officer although driving recklessly, and firearm possession [2]. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial [2]. If convicted in the US, he faces a potential life sentence with the possibility of parole [4].

Extradition and Investigation

An extradition warrant exists for Tangi to face charges in New Zealand [4]. The California District Attorney’s office has indicated the extradition process would likely move forward after the conclusion of the US case [4].

The case has been subject to suppression orders that were recently lifted following a challenge from RNZ [4]. The investigation is linked to Operation Mexted, a joint effort by the National Organised Crime Group and New Zealand Customs, targeting a transnational criminal cell involved in methamphetamine and firearms trafficking [4].