Murder of Arab Power leader at Donnacona penitentiary, internal conflict suspected

Sylvain Kabbouchi, a leading figure in the criminal gang Arab Power, was killed on Sunday at Donnacona penitentiary during an assault by fellow inmates.

Arab Power leader killed in extremely violent assault at Donnacona

Sylvain Kabbouchi, one of the leading figures in the criminalised group Arab Power, died on Sunday morning at Donnacona penitentiary in the Quebec region. Noovo Info confirmed the identity of the inmate before any official statement from authorities.

Emergency services were called at approximately 10:30 a.m. after the man was assaulted by fellow inmates. His death was pronounced at the scene. According to information obtained by Noovo Info, paramedics reportedly performed resuscitation manoeuvres for 30 to 40 minutes. The assault is reportedly one of the most violent ever to occur in the history of this correctional facility, according to Noovo Info.

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) officially confirmed the death on Sunday afternoon in a press release. "The person's next of kin have been informed," the federal agency stated.

Kabbouchi was 26 years old. Convicted of first-degree murder on 11 April, he had been serving an indeterminate sentence since 14 April for the murder of Nitchell Lapaix, committed in 2021.

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) is collaborating with the CSC in the investigation into the death, and the coroner has also been notified. The individuals suspected of participating in the assault have not yet been formally arrested—however, they are already in custody at the facility. When questioned about the nature of the incident, Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Laurie Avoine told The Canadian Press that "at this time, it is too early to determine that," in reference to the classification as murder.

According to a source consulted by Noovo Info, the assault is linked to an "internal conflict" within Arab Power. An inmate who is a member of the Arab with Attitude (AWA) group but who identifies as belonging to Arab Power within the penitentiary is suspected of having ordered the murder of Kabbouchi.

Arab Power is described by police authorities as an emerging criminal group. Last December, Commander Francis Renaud, head of the organised crime section at the Montreal Police Service (SPVM), discussed this group and its growing influence during an interview with Noovo Info. "It's a group that is known, a grouping of street gangs," he stated. "They are high-profile, some of them are currently in correctional facilities. This grouping exists today, did not exist before. […] Normally we try to stay under the radar; now they are on the radar," Commander Renaud also stated.

With information from Erika Morris for CTV News Montreal, The Canadian Press and Noovo Info.

Source: Google News CA — Québec (FR)