A photo of John Potvin is displayed during an RCMP news conference about Rabih Alkhalil, in Surrey, B.C., on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

By Alyssa Conti

CROSS-COUNTRY CHASE

Fugitive who allegedly aided gang member’s escape from B.C. prison returned to Canada

Jan 23, 2026 | 3:40 PM

SURREY — A man who was subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice has now been returned to Canadian shores after his alleged role in helping an inmate escape from a Port Coquitlam jail more than three years ago.

John Potvin allegedly conspired with two other men, including one accomplice from Harrison Hot Springs, to break out gang member Rabih Alkhalil from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre in July 2022. 

Potvin was eventually arrested in Spain in September last year, with Alkhalil being brought into custody in Qatar under an alias shortly after.

On Thursday, January 22, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) and the RCMP took custody of Potvin from Spanish authorities and assisted in his extradition to Canada. 

“This arrest and extradition highlight the strength of CFSEU-BC’s partnerships both domestically and internationally,” said Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, media relations officer of CFSEU-BC. 

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“Through close collaboration with RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region (FPPR), international partners, and INTERPOL, we are able to pursue fugitives beyond our borders and ensure they are brought back to Canada to face justice.”

Potvin remains in custody and was scheduled to appear at Vancouver Law Courts today.

He was charged with conspiracy to commit prison breach and prison breach following Alkhalil’s escape.