A French fugitive, Ilyas Kherbouch, also known as “Ganito,” was apprehended in southern France on Saturday, March 14, 2026, after 13 days on the run. His escape from the Villepinte prison outside Paris earlier this month sparked a nationwide manhunt and raised questions about security protocols at the facility.
Kherbouch’s capture brings an end to a high-profile case that captivated the French public. He initially escaped the prison on March 1, 2026, reportedly with the help of individuals posing as police officers, according to early reports.
Laurent Nuñez announced Kherbouch’s arrest, bringing closure to the search. The case highlights vulnerabilities in prison security and the challenges authorities face in tracking down escaped inmates.
Details surrounding the circumstances of Kherbouch’s escape remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet released information regarding the identities of those who allegedly assisted him or the specific methods used to breach security. The move underscores the need for a thorough review of security measures at Villepinte and other correctional facilities in France.
