Former Correctional Officer Wanted for Alleged Role in Canada Prison Escape
Arrest Warrant Issued for Naila Sheikh
Police in British Columbia are searching for a former correctional officer accused of helping one of Canada’s most dangerous gangsters escape from a pretrial custody facility. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Naila Sheikh, who faces multiple charges including breach of trust, misappropriation of benefits, and unauthorized use of a computer.
Sheikh served as the case manager for Rabih “Robby” Alkhalil, a convicted gangster who made headlines with his brazen escape from the North Fraser Pretrial Center in Port Coquitlam in July 2022. She is also wanted for allegedly impersonating Shamaila Sheikh in or near Victoria for personal gain, with the charges stemming from incidents between February and March 2024.
It remains unclear whether Sheikh’s charges are directly connected to Alkhalil’s escape or whether she had any romantic relationship with the fugitive.
Who Is Rabih Alkhalil?
Rabih Alkhalil is one of Canada’s most notorious underworld figures — a twice-convicted murderer who was once the country’s most wanted fugitive. After fleeing Canada, he was arrested in Qatar in September 2025 and remains in custody awaiting extradition back to Canada.
Alkhalil was convicted of first-degree murder for a January 2012 attack on gang rival Sandip Duhre in downtown Vancouver. A British Columbia jury found him guilty in absentia in August 2022, just one month after his daring prison escape.
In addition, Alkhalil was sentenced to life in prison in 2017 for his role in the shocking daylight execution of Johnny Raposo, who was shot dead on a patio in Toronto’s Little Italy. He had also been convicted of cocaine trafficking in Quebec.
The Daring Prison Break
Alkhalil became a gangland legend with his escape from the North Fraser Pretrial Center. Two accomplices disguised as commercial contractors used a plasma torch to cut open an outdoor security gate. The convicted killer then donned a safety vest, walked out of the facility, and climbed into a waiting white Ford van.
Three other individuals have been charged with conspiracy in connection with the escape: Ryan Van Gool, 46, of Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.; Edward Ayoub, 48, of Ottawa; and John Potvin, 49, also of Ottawa. Potvin was arrested in Spain and extradited to Canada in January 2026. The investigation remains active.
Sheikh is now the next person of interest in the case, as authorities continue to probe the full scope of the conspiracy that enabled Alkhalil’s flight.
Second Corrections Scandal in British Columbia
Sheikh is the second former British Columbia correctional officer to face criminal charges in the past year. Ramandeep Rai, 31, of Abbotsford, was charged with two counts of breach of trust unrelated to the jailbreak. On Wednesday, Rai received a two-year conditional sentence to be served in the community after failing to report that an inmate with whom she was having a sexual relationship possessed a cell phone.
Acting Communications Attorney Ann Seymour of the BC Prosecution Service confirmed to CBC that the prosecution against Sheikh was sworn in on May 28. As of publication, no court dates have been set because an arrest warrant for Sheikh remains outstanding.
Anyone with information on Naila Sheikh’s whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities.
