Quebec Fugitive Arrested in Martinique: Malo Endures Harsh Prison Conditions
Jean-François Malo, a fugitive from Quebec, was arrested in Martinique on December 29, after nearly three months on the run. He was found attempting to travel to Venezuela using a false Venezuelan passport at the Martinique Aimé-Césaire Airport. French prosecutor Yann Le Bris confirmed that Canadian authorities had already requested Malo’s extradition.
Background of the Arrest
Malo, aged 47, was previously sentenced to five years in prison for orchestrating an attack on lawyer Nicholas Daudelin in March 2020. Although he was acquitted of attempted murder, he was found guilty of serious bodily harm for hiring two assailants. After failing to appear in court in October, his whereabouts became unknown until his capture.
Prison Conditions in Martinique
Malo has been incarcerated at the Ducos Prison, renowned for its dire conditions. Reports indicate that this facility is one of the worst in France, plagued by violence and extreme overcrowding. Inmates often face unsanitary conditions, with many lacking adequate sleeping arrangements.
Extravagant Lifestyle Before Capture
Prior to his arrest, Malo lived a lavish lifestyle in Quebec. His assets included multiple luxury cars, such as Ferraris and Bentleys, and he owned a penthouse worth over $2 million in Old Montreal. Additionally, a civil court previously ruled that he was responsible for a complex fraud case involving $3.8 million sent to a tax haven in Cambodia.
Legal Proceedings
- December 31: Malo faced charges related to his false identity use and accepted a plea deal.
- Sentencing: He received a two-month prison sentence, which he began immediately.
Malo’s arrest adds him to the list of Quebec’s most wanted fugitives. With two warrants for his arrest, Canadian authorities look forward to his extradition to face further legal consequences.
