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CALGARY • A plea bargain that gave a former gangster immunity for his involvement in three murders is raising questions about the justice system’s ability to cope with organized crime.

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Prosecutors and police are investigating and trying several complicated cases in a bid to punish those responsible for a gang war that has killed at least 25 people in the Calgary area in recent years.

In 2002-09, the Fresh Off the Boat (FOB) and the Fresh Off the Boat Killers (FK) shot, maimed and assaulted gang members and civilians in a spate of violence that had not been seen in the city before or since.

The mayhem climaxed in the 2009 New Year’s Eve Bolsa restaurant shooting, in which three people died, including a bystander.

During the investigations, prosecutors questioned Hans Eastgaard, a high-ranking FOB member. His testimony is expected to prove crucial as the gang’s leaders come to trial.

Brian Holtby, head of special prosecutions, said Mr. Eastgaard admitted he played a part in the murders of gang members Kevin Anaya and Kevin Ses, and Tina Kong, who had no connections to any gang.

“He admitted killing Mr. Anaya and he was present at the scene of the Ses and Kong murders,” Mr. Holtby said.

“It would be dishonest for me to say he was tangentially involved. He was very involved.”