Alleged UN gang leader to be deported to Iraq

Barzan Tilli-Choli, the man described by police as the de facto leader of theFraser Valley's United Nations gang,faces deportation from Canada after serving time for his role in the conspiracy to kill the Bacon brothers.

Tilli-Choli and four other alleged members of the UN gang pleaded guilty Monday to charges of conspiracy to commit the murders of Jonathan, Jamie and Jarrod Bacon and other Red Scorpions gang members in 2008 and 2009.

With the plea, the Crown dropped charges of murder and attempted murder in the fatal shooting of Jonathan Barber, a stereo installer who was mistaken for Jamie Bacon while driving the gang leader's SUV.

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At his pre-sentencing hearing Tuesday, the Crown asked for up to 14 years in prison for Tilli-Choli, which is more than is being asked forwith the other four.

The Crown also said that because the five men were arrested four-and-a-half years ago, before changes were made to the laws on time served, they will each be eligible for a double-credit for time spent awaiting trial.

Withthatdouble-credit,a 14-year sentence for Tilli-Choliwould be reduced to five years.

At his pre-sentencing hearing Tuesday, Tilli-Choli's lawyer argued that her client should see an even shorter sentence in Canada, since his future after deportation will be uncertain. Tilli-Choli was bornthe Kurdistan province of Iraq, and that's where he will be sent once his sentence is over.

Lawyer Michelle Daneliuk told the courtthe guilty plea means he cannot appeal the deportation order, andhis removal from Canada will be automatic once he serves his jail time.

"If he is going to be removed, it may as well be sooner, rather than later," she told the court.