A former correctional officer is being hunted by police for allegedly aiding one of Canada's most notorious criminals in his daring escape from prison. The officer, Naila Sheikh, has been charged with breach of trust, personation with intent to gain advantage, and unauthorized use of a computer. Sheikh was the case manager for Rabih "Robby" Alkhalil, a twice-convicted underworld killer who escaped from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam in July 2022. An arrest warrant has been issued for Sheikh, who is also wanted for impersonating another individual for personal gain.
Rabih Alkhalil is a notorious figure in Canada's underworld, with a history of violence and convictions for serious crimes. He was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2012 killing of gangland rival Sandip Duhre in downtown Vancouver, and was also sentenced to life in prison for his role in the execution of Johnny Raposo in Toronto's Little Italy. Alkhalil has been on the run multiple times, fleeing to countries such as Qatar and Greece before being arrested and extradited back to Canada. He is currently being detained in Qatar, awaiting extradition to Canada to face further charges.
Alkhalil's escape from prison in British Columbia was a brazen and daring operation, involving two accomplices who cut open an outdoor security grate using a plasma torch. Alkhalil then walked out of the prison wearing a safety vest and escaped in a waiting white Ford van. Three others have been charged with conspiracy in connection with the escape, including Ryan Van Gool, Edward Ayoub, and John Potvin. The investigation into the escape is ongoing, with Potvin having been arrested in Spain and extradited back to Canada in January.
The charges against Naila Sheikh stem from incidents that occurred between February and March 2024, although it is not clear whether she had a romantic relationship with Alkhalil. The allegations against Sheikh are serious, and police are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward. The case highlights the ongoing concerns about corruption and security within Canada's prison system, and the need for authorities to take swift action to prevent further escapes and maintain public safety.
