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Escaped inmate from Port Coquitlam pre-trial centre a 'least-wanted valentine'

Rabih Alkhalil had help breaking out of the Tri-Cities facility last summer, and a $250,000 reward for information and an arrest is still up for grabs.

Canada's most wanted criminal should not be on your Valentine's Day wish list.

That's from Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers after issuing its annual campaign, which, for 2023, includes accused killer Rabih "Robby" Alkhalil.

The 34-year-old "least-wanted valentine's" picture and backstory was re-released this week as he's wanted for murder, conspiracy to commit murder and being unlawfully at large.

Alkhalil escaped from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam last summer with the help of two accomplices, per police reports, and has still yet to be found as of this publication (Feb. 9).

He was an inmate at the Tri-Cities facility while standing trial for his alleged involvement in a January 2012 shooting homicide in Vancouver.

In October last year, a $250,000 reward was announced by Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers and the national BOLO program (Be On the Look Out) in hopes someone would come forward with information that leads to Alkhalil's arrest.

"Anonymous tips do work," said executive director Linda Annis in urging the public to speak up if they've seen or heard something.

"Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers received more than 4,000 anonymous tips in 2022 leading to 73 arrests, 13 illegal weapons seized and $1.4 million in property and illicit drugs recovered. Your anonymity is guaranteed by the Supreme Court of Canada. You’ll never be questioned or called to testify."

What we know

Before 7 p.m. on July 21, Alkhalil was reported missing to Coquitlam RCMP from the pretrial centre — located at 1451 Kingsway Ave. — appearing to be disguised in similar clothing as two suspects that helped him break out.

He was then transported in a white Ford Econoline van away from the jail, which was later found at an "abandoned location" by local Mounties.

On Aug. 9, investigators said they had established the vehicle's route, but no other details were released citing the case was active and ongoing.

In addition to a Canada-wide warrant, an Interpol red notice has been issued for his arrest.

Alkhalil is known to have contacts around the world, including Canada, the United States, Asia and Europe, and he speaks three languages: English, French and Arabic.

He was extradited from Greece to face first-degree murder charges for his alleged involvement in the January 2012 death of Sandip Duhre, who was gunned down in a busy restaurant at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.

"On Aug. 30, 2022, after his escape from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre, a jury found Alkhalil guilty of first-degree murder, the crime for which he was standing trial in British Columbia," Alkhalil's BOLO profile reads.

"He is a very dangerous criminal with a lengthy criminal record and extensive ties to organized crime."

Alkhalil is described as:

  • Middle Eastern
  • 5'10"
  • 165 pounds
  • Small to medium build
  • Short black hair
  • Dark brown eyes
  • Two birthmarks on left cheek
  • Faint scar above nose
    • Near left eyebrow
  • Known aliases...
    • Rabi, Robby, Robbi and Rabih Al Khalil
    • Philip Betencourt Furtado and Philip Bettenecourt Furtado

If Alkhalil or the suspects that helped him escape are seen, the public is strongly urged to not approach them and call 911 immediately.

Anyone with more information on Alkhalil and the suspects, or their whereabouts, is urged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and ask for the major crime unit.

You can also contact Coquitlam RCMP's Bolo representative at 1-877-687-3377 or email [email protected].

Two others have Tri-Cities convictions

There are six total "least-wanted valentines" in Crime Stoppers' campaign this year.

This includes two other men that have a track record of offenses in the Tri-Cities (see photos below).

Kevin Asi Gonzales is wanted for production of a controlled substance — a crime he once was charged in Coquitlam in August 2012.

Meanwhile, Ricky Korasak is currently wanted as an accessory in B.C., as well as California, for attempted murder and aggravated assault.

His Tri-Cities record includes a couple of motor vehicle infractions.

In May 2014, he was fined in Anmore for failing to stop at a stop sign and notifying officials of a change in address.

Korasak also received a violation ticket for speeding through Coquitlam in April 2006.

Anyone with information on Gonzales or Korasak is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.solvecrime.ca.

For more information on all the wanted men listed this week by Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, you can visit the organization's website.

kevinasigonzalesmetrovancouvercrimestoppers2023valentinesday
Kevin Asi Gonzales, wanted for production of a controlled substance, is one of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers' "least-wanted valentines" for 2023. By Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers

 

KORASAK, Ricky
Ricky Korasak, wanted for accessory to commit murder and aggravated assault, is one of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers' "least-wanted valentines" for 2023. By Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers