Three men have been charged for allegedly helping a man facing murder charges escape from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre three years ago.
On July 22, 2022, a Canada-wide arrest warrant and an Interpol Red notice were issued for Rabih “Robby” Alkhalil after he escaped from the Port Coquitlam centre with the help of two accomplices.
Alkhalil, now 38, has remained at large ever since. He was on the list of Canada’s top 25 most wanted fugitives in 2024.
On Monday, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) and the Federal Policing – Pacific Region (FP-PR) announced three men were facing charges for helping him escape.
Edward Ayoub, 48, of Ottawa, John Potvin, 49, of Ottawa and Ryan Van Gool, 46, of Harrison Hot Springs are all facing charges of conspiracy to commit a prison breach and carrying out the act.
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A news release from the RCMP said that during their investigation, they uncovered information that has now led to additional charges against Van Gool and two other men who are allegedly involved in a conspiracy to murder a person in Kamloops in March 2024.
Those two men are Bryce Telford, 28, and Scott Telford, 61, both of Surrey.
They are also facing additional two counts each of possession of a loaded restricted firearm and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm.
According to the news release, Van Gool has also been charged with discharging a firearm with intent and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm in relation to an incident that happened in Maple Ridge in January 2024.
Van Gool, Bryce and Scott were all arrested on Sept. 5, remain in custody and are due in court on Sept. 10.
The police said Edward Ayoub is in custody for another matter in a different province and will be facing his new charges.
Meanwhile, John Potivin is currently wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for his charges.
The news release said all 17 charges against the five individuals are by direct indictment, meaning the charges will go straight to trial without a preliminary inquiry.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information on Potvin’s or Alkhalil’s location is urged to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers immediately.
Reports can also be made by calling the Bolo (Be On the Lookout) Program tipline at 1-877-687-3377.
