US Citizen Accused of Transnational Murder Conspiracy

Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi allegedly flew from US to New Zealand to carry out targeted killing, then attempted another shooting in California

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:22am

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A 26-year-old US national, Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, is accused of flying to New Zealand in 2024 to carry out the murder of Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Vi. After the killing, Tangi allegedly returned to the US, where he was later arrested in connection with a separate shooting incident in Oakley, California in 2025. The case highlights concerns about the rise of transnational organized crime and the ease with which individuals can be deployed across borders for violent acts.

Why it matters

This case underscores the growing threat of international contract killings facilitated by factors like globalization, cryptocurrency, and dark web marketplaces. It raises questions about the ability of law enforcement to combat such cross-border criminal networks and the need for greater international cooperation to address this emerging trend.

The details

Authorities allege Tangi was sent to New Zealand by a US-based organized criminal group to carry out the murder of Vi, though Vi may not have been the intended target. After the Auckland shooting, Tangi reportedly returned to the US, where he was later arrested and charged in connection with a separate targeted shooting incident in Oakley, California in 2025. The fact that Tangi was quickly charged in the US after allegedly committing another violent act suggests the potential involvement of a network of individuals being utilized for contract killings across different jurisdictions.

  • Tuipulotu Vi was shot and killed in Pakūranga Heights, Auckland, in August 2024.
  • Tangi was arrested in connection with a separate shooting incident in Oakley, California in August 2025.

The players

Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi

A 26-year-old US national accused of flying to New Zealand to carry out the murder of Tuipulotu Vi and later being involved in a separate shooting incident in California.

Tuipulotu Vi

A 59-year-old Auckland courier driver who was shot and killed in Pakūranga Heights in 2024, though he may not have been the intended target.

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What’s next

The extradition process for Tangi's return to New Zealand is expected to move forward once his US case concludes. Authorities in both countries continue to investigate the broader criminal network potentially involved in this case.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater international cooperation and coordination between law enforcement agencies to combat the growing threat of transnational organized crime and contract killings facilitated by factors like globalization, cryptocurrency, and the dark web.