The Provincial Fugitive Return Program (PFRP) - which recently flew its 40th accused - is receiving another $40,000 this year from civil forfeiture proceeds.

The current program - the first of its kind in Canada - took wing in 2011 to return accused back to the specific jurisdiction where they are wanted for serious, violent offences. This provincial approach and ongoing financial support contributed to a 60 per cent increase in the number of fugitives returned in 2012. The program anticipates a further 20 per cent rise this year.

The latest grant brings to $213,000 the provincial investment since 2008 in returning wanted fugitives to face criminal charges elsewhere in Canada. This latest grant will continue to help fund fugitive transport when the jurisdiction that issued the related, outstanding warrants refuses to bear the cost. Among recent passengers are:

• Kimri Arthur Edward Dial, the 40th accused sent back, who was transported from Port Alberni to Edmonton to answer to criminal charges he had evaded since 2007. These charges included aggravated assault, forcible confinement, uttering threats, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and attempt to choke to assist an assault.
• Derek Silva, arrested in April by Ridge Meadows RCMP on outstanding charges in Ontario, including sexual assault, uttering threats, assault and invitation to sexual touching. Silva, whose extensive criminal record dates back to 1996, was identified as a candidate for the PFRP by Port Mann Traffic Services. London Police Services co-operated in his return.
• Justin Michael Pfaff, wanted on outstanding warrants in Alberta related to weapons and stolen property, uttering threats and other allegations. In his first month in Vancouver, Pfaff had a dozen distinct interactions with police, leading to six more charges. BC Transit Police identified Pfaff as a PFRP candidate.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

"We're sending a message to fugitives: B.C. is not a hideout, so don't come here thinking you can avoid consequences for serious crimes. We pioneered this provincial approach, and the growing numbers of returns show it's working as one of many tools we've given police to deal with crime in their communities. Civil forfeiture itself is among those tools, and it continues to pay many dividends by sending criminals home and funding numerous other crime prevention efforts."

Parliamentary Secretary for Corrections Laurie Throness -

"Like many jurisdictions, we're already dealing with inmate capacity issues - and doing so proactively, with the largest capital expansion in BC Corrections' history. Fugitive return, too, helps in this regard. Prolific offenders are a considerable drain on justice and taxpayer resources, and it makes sense to send back those who have outstanding warrants elsewhere."

Criminal Operations Officer B.C. RCMP Asst. Commissioner Wayne Rideout -

"The fugitive return program is a valuable and powerful tool for law enforcement in British Columbia. With support and funding from the B.C. government, we are empowered to actively seek out these criminals who are hiding in B.C. and send them back to their offending province so they can be held accountable for their crimes."

Quick Facts:

• The PFRP supports the provincial government's commitment to public safety, removing wanted criminals from B.C. communities so they are held accountable for their crimes.
• At the top of the list are prolific offenders and high-risk accused, including known gangsters, who are wanted for serious offences and violent crimes.
• Under a memorandum of understanding signed early in 2012, a program co-ordinator within the RCMP's major crime section works with police agencies throughout the province to prioritize fugitive returns.
• B.C.'s Civil Forfeiture Office funds the program, which is managed jointly by a team from the Vancouver Police Department and the RCMP.
• In addition to partnering in the PFRP, all B.C. police departments and detachments retain the option of returning any fugitive at their own cost.
• B.C.'s seven-year-old civil forfeiture program works to deter unlawful activity by pursuing civil actions against property alleged to be a tool or proceed of that activity. The self-funding program provides grants in support of crime prevention in B.C. communities.

Learn More:

The Civil Forfeiture Office's main page is at: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/civilforfeiture/index.htm

The news release from the launch of the PFRP is at: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2012/03/new-program-takes-fugitive-returns-provincewide.html

A number of RCMP news releases about specific returns are online; among the most recent: ridgemeadows.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=466&languageId=1&contentId=30017

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961