During a media briefing held on Monday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that charges have been laid against three individuals linked to aiding a notorious fugitive in his escape from prison three years ago.
Rabih Alkhalil successfully fled the North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam back in July 2022, with the assistance of two individuals who posed as contractors.
Since the escape, Alkhalil has managed to evade capture.
Cpl. Sarbjit Sangha, a member of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia, disclosed that 46-year-old Ryan Van Gool from British Columbia has been charged with conspiracy to commit prison breach and prison breach, while two other individuals from Ottawa are facing similar charges.
Recent reports have suggested that Alkhalil was apprehended in Qatar, stirring speculation that the RCMP is working to repatriate him to Canada. However, the RCMP has not provided official confirmation of Alkhalil’s arrest as of Monday.
Alkhalil has held a position on Canada’s Bolo 25 Most Wanted list for the past two years, with a considerable reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to his arrest. Currently, a reward of $50,000 is being offered to anyone with potential leads.