File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Murder Plot

Kamloops murder plot uncovered during Lower Mainland in-custody escape investigation

Sep 8, 2025 | 2:51 PM

PORT COQUITLAM — Police say their investigation into an in-custody escape three years ago in Port Coquitlam led to the discovery of a murder plot in Kamloops.

At a news conference Monday (Sept. 8), the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) and the Federal Policing — Pacific Region (FP-PR) unit updated the investigation into the escape of Rabih Alkhalil.

On July 21, 2022, police say two men posing as contractors helped Alkhalil escape from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre.

As they probed the escape, investigators uncovered a conspiracy to kill a Kamloops person in March, 2024. Police do not divulge any further details about the plot or the person who was targeted.

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The following three people are charged with conspiracy to commit murder, as well as firearms offences:

• Ryan Van Gool, 46, of Harrison Hot Springs
• Bryce Telford, 28, of Surrey
• Scott Telford, 61, of Surrey

The three were arrested Friday and remain in custody pending a court appearance this Wednesday.

Van Gool is among three people charged in helping Alkhalil escape. Another of the three, 48-year-old Edward Ayoub of Ottawa, was already in custody on another matter in another province.

Both Alkhalil and the third man charged with aiding in his escape — John Potvin, 49, of Ottawa — remain fugitives.

Monday, CFSEU thanked the police agencies who have assisted in this investigation, including the Kamloops RCMP detachment.

“I want to thank our CFSEU-BC investigators for their dedication and perseverance during this investigation. I also wish to thank our provincial and national policing partners for their unwavering commitment and support,” said Asst. Commissioner Manny Mann, Chief Officer of CFSEU.

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