Canadian Killer Caught in Qatar After Vancouver Jail Escape

A convicted killer who vanished from a Coquitlam jail in 2022 has been caught in Qatar. Rabih “Robby” Alkhalil, convicted of first-degree murder in a 2012 Vancouver shooting, was living under an alias when Interpol tracked him down overseas.

His capture ends one of Canada’s longest manhunts and exposes how a dangerous inmate walked out of a high-security jail without being stopped. The case has reignited questions about how secure B.C.’s correctional facilities really are.

Who Is Rabih Alkhalil & How Did He Escape?

Alkhalil was on trial for murder when he escaped North Fraser Pretrial Centre on July 21, 2022. He had been accused of organizing the 2012 killing of Sandip Duhre, a prominent figure in Vancouver’s gang world.

Even after his disappearance, the court continued the trial and convicted him in absentia in 2023. At the time, he was already serving a life sentence for a separate 2017 gang murder in Ontario.

How Two Contractors Walked a Killer Out the Front Door

Investigators say two men arrived at the jail dressed as construction workers with fake papers and reflective vests. Guards believed they were legitimate contractors and let them in without verifying their credentials.

Within minutes, the men led Alkhalil through secure corridors and out a main exit to a white van disguised as a service vehicle. By the time staff realized what had happened, the trio had disappeared.

Who Helped Him and What Went Wrong?

The RCMP’s organized crime unit and B.C. Corrections launched a joint investigation within hours. By 2025, three men were charged with conspiracy and aiding the escape, including one later arrested in Spain.

Investigators say falsified work orders and insider deception made the plan possible. Since then, B.C. Corrections has introduced stricter ID checks and new escort policies for all contractors.

Canadian Killer Caught in Qatar: Will He Return to Canada?

In 2025, Interpol confirmed the Canadian killer caught in Qatar after a three-year international search. He had been living under a false name and was detained by local authorities working with international partners.

Bringing him home is now a diplomatic challenge. Canada and Qatar have no extradition treaty, meaning officials must negotiate directly for his return.

Why Did a Secure Jail Miss the Warning Signs?

North Fraser Pretrial Centre holds some of B.C.’s highest-risk offenders, yet two impostors gained access without detection. Investigators later confirmed that basic contractor screening was not followed that day.

The Ministry of Public Safety admitted to serious procedural gaps but has not released its full internal report. Officials say new security protocols are now in place at every provincial facility.

How Often Do Prison Escapes Really Happen?

Federal data shows roughly two dozen escapes between 2021 and 2024, most from low-security institutions. The Alkhalil case stood out because it exposed how easily human error can defeat advanced security.

Experts say this incident forced a national rethink of staffing, verification, and communication between correctional agencies. They warn that coordinated escapes like this are rare but always possible when oversight breaks down.

Could It Happen Again and Should You Worry?

When Alkhalil escaped, police described him as dangerous and urged the public not to approach him. For several days, Metro Vancouver residents were unsure whether he remained in the region.

Officials now insist that new protocols and communication systems are designed to prevent another breach. Still, advocates argue the public should be notified faster if high-risk inmates ever escape again.

What Happens Next

Canadian officials are negotiating with Qatar to return Alkhalil to Canada. Without a formal treaty, the process could take months or stall entirely if Qatar refuses.

Meanwhile, court cases continue against the men accused of helping him flee. B.C. Corrections faces growing pressure to release its internal review and show what has changed since the 2022 escape.