A man sought under a Canada-wide warrant for his alleged involvement in aiding a high-profile gang member's escape from a British Columbia jail has been apprehended in Spain. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that 49-year-old John Potvin, who resided in Ottawa, is facing charges related to the escape of Rabih Alkhalil from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, three years prior.

The incident occurred on July 21, 2022, when two men pretending to be contractors allegedly facilitated Alkhalil's escape from the facility. Following this breach, Potvin was charged with conspiracy to commit a prison breach as well as the actual breach itself. Information surfaced that Potvin may have left Canada, leading to the issuance of a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest.

Investigators learned through Interpol in Ottawa that Potvin was arrested in Spain on a recent Friday. Corporal Sarbjit Sangha, a representative of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia, commented on the successful apprehension by stating that it reflects the strength of international law enforcement partnerships. He noted that the collaborative ability to coordinate across jurisdictions and share intelligence is essential in holding individuals accountable who attempt to evade justice.

Spanish law enforcement's cooperation was acknowledged by the Mounties, who indicated that efforts are currently underway, in conjunction with Interpol and other international partners, to facilitate Potvin's return to Canadian territory. Federal police in British Columbia also highlighted that Rabih Alkhalil, the gang member who successfully escaped, remains at large and continues to pose a risk due to his extensive ties to organized crime and a lengthy criminal record.

The report was initially published on September 20, 2025, and emphasizes the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in both Canada and Spain to address and manage cases involving organized crime and security breaches.