Accused in High-Profile Prison Break Now in Canadian Custody After Extradition
One of the individuals accused of involvement in the dramatic prison escape of Wolfpack gang killer Rabih Alkhalil has been returned to Canadian soil. John Potvin, an Ottawa resident, appeared in Vancouver Provincial Court on Friday following his extradition from Spain. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the brazen 2022 jailbreak.
Charges and Alleged Involvement in the Escape
Potvin faces serious criminal charges related to the incident, including:
- Prison breach
- Conspiracy to commit prison breach
The charges stem from the escape of Rabih Alkhalil from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam on July 21, 2022. According to authorities from British Columbia's anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), Potvin was allegedly involved in aiding the escape of the convicted gang killer.
International Manhunt and Arrest
Prior to his capture, Potvin had been the subject of an extensive law enforcement effort:
- He was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant
- An Interpol red notice had been issued for his arrest
- Spanish authorities arrested him in September 2025
- CFSEU and RCMP investigators took custody of Potvin on Thursday
The extradition process from Spain to Canada was coordinated between international law enforcement agencies, culminating in Potvin's appearance before the Vancouver court system.
Other Individuals Charged in Connection with the Escape
Potvin is not the only person facing charges related to Alkhalil's prison break. Two other men have also been taken into custody:
Ryan Van Gool, a resident of Harrison Hot Springs, remains in custody in British Columbia facing prison breach charges. Additionally, Van Gool faces firearms-related offences connected to an alleged conspiracy to murder someone in Kamloops in March 2024.
Edward Ayoub, another Ottawa resident, is currently in custody in Ontario on unrelated matters. According to CFSEU spokeswoman Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Ayoub will eventually be brought to British Columbia to face charges for his alleged role in facilitating Alkhalil's escape.
Status of Escaped Inmate Rabih Alkhalil
The central figure in this case, Rabih Alkhalil, was arrested in Qatar in September 2025. His return to Canada presents additional challenges, as Canada and Qatar do not share extradition treaties. Sgt. Sangha confirmed that authorities are "working with Qatari officials to bring him back to Canada" through diplomatic channels.
This case highlights the complex international dimensions of modern criminal investigations and the collaborative efforts required between Canadian law enforcement agencies and their international counterparts to address serious organized crime activities.
