News release

CFSEU-BC, RCMP confirm Rabih Alkhalil in custody

September 25, 2025 - Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), British Columbia
From: British Columbia RCMP

Content

After three years on the run, Rabih Alkhalil is in custody overseas.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) and the Federal Policing – Pacific Region (FP-PR) can now confirm that Mr. Rabih Alkhalil was arrested in Qatar under an alias in September 2025.

Investigators from the CFSEU-BC and RCMP international partners pursued Rabih Alkhalil for more than three years. The pursuit concluded with the critical assistance of the Ministry of Interior - Qatar, whose professionalism and expertise, along with their swift and decisive action, were instrumental in bringing this matter to a close.

The CFSEU-BC and RCMP are working with Interpol and international partners to have Rabih Alkhalil returned to Canada where he is wanted for being unlawfully at large after escaping prison while on trial for murder. Since his escape, Rabih Alkahlil has been convicted of murder that occurred in 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia, making this his second first degree murder charge.

“We are extremely grateful to the Ministry of Interior – Qatar for their assistance in the arrest of Rabih Alkhalil. Through their exceptional diligence, investigators ensured the apprehension of a dangerous fugitive who might otherwise still be outstanding today. I also wish to thank the many agencies that supported our team on this project and to recognize the police officers whose perseverance over the past three years made this result possible” said Assistant Commissioner Manny Mann, Chief Officer of CFSEU-BC.

In February 2023, the Alkhalil investigation was transferred to CFSEU-BC with

FP-PR joining the investigation in December 2023. 

“This arrest highlights the exceptional cooperation and unwavering commitment of our law enforcement partners across borders. Through dedicated coordination, intelligence-sharing and strong interagency collaboration, we have ensured that a dangerous individual will be held accountable. I commend all the agencies involved for their expertise, tenacity and shared commitment,” said Chief Superintendent Stephen Lee, Deputy Regional Commander of FP-PR. 

Background

On July 21, 2022, Coquitlam RCMP responded to an incident at the pretrial centre after two men posing as contractors aided in the escape of Alkhalil where he was being held while on trial for a 2012 murder he had been charged with that occurred in Vancouver, British Columbia.

On September 8, 2025, CFSEU-BC and FP-PR announced charges against Edward Ayoub, Ryan Van Gool and John Potvin for conspiracy to commit prison breach and prison breach. On September 19, 2025 John Potvin was arrested in Spain on the Red Notice.

“The arrest of Rabih Alkhalil marks the end of one of the most complex fugitive investigations the Bolo (Be On The Lookout) Program has seen since its creation. To the BC RCMP and CFSEU-BC investigators who have worked tirelessly on this case for the past 3 years: thank you for never giving up. Your determination and professionalism are exemplary. And, above all, thank you everyone for being on the lookout for Alkhalil. Justice can finally be served” said Max Langlois, Executive Director, Bolo Program

This investigation remains active and ongoing. 

Related products

• Charges laid in Rabih Alkhalil escape
• John Potvin has been arrested

Contacts