Image shared from Sylvain Kabbouchi’s personal social media account. La Presse
Sylvain Kabbouchi, known as "Haboub," was found dead Sunday morning inside Donnacona prison. He was 26. Police say someone stabbed him in the throat. The attacker was also an inmate and part of the same criminal group—Arab Power.
Sources say the killing was brutal. Many believe it was not random.
Killed by One of His Own
Kabbouchi started Arab Power, a group trying to grow its power in Montreal's gang scene. He had strong influence inside the prison. But tensions had risen between him and other key members of the group. Some believe one of his close allies approved the hit.
Gang insiders say this outcome wasn’t unexpected.
Long History in Street Gangs
Kabbouchi came from the Chomedey area in Laval. He first joined the Cho Block street gang before building his own path. He worked closely with big names in organized crime like M’hammed Berberi and Youness Aithaqi, also known as “Fréro.”
Police linked Kabbouchi to multiple shootings and attempted murders over the last five years.
Arab Power's Rise and Violent Plans
Arab Power has tried to break into the organized crime world of Montreal. Investigators say members of the group often used military-style words like "war" and "soldiers" to describe their violent missions.
They reportedly targeted rivals like Jean-Philippe Célestin and his allies. Célestin’s brother, Brandon, was shot dead in February 2024. Another gang leader, Gregory Woolley, was killed in November 2023.
Arab Power has also been accused of extorting local bars and restaurants in both Laval and Montreal.
Crimes Inside and Outside Prison
Authorities suspect the group of threatening correctional officers and setting fire to vehicles. These acts were believed to be part of a larger intimidation plan.
Police also believe the gang used drones to smuggle banned items into prisons. Kabbouchi was accused of taking part in these smuggling operations, even while behind bars.
Cell phones helped the group stay active from prison. Members continued to run gang operations from their cells.
Facing Multiple Charges Before Death
In 2022, police arrested Kabbouchi for the murder of Nitchell Lapaix, a top member of a rival group. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Another trial was coming soon. He and others were charged with three more murders and for planning attacks on members of the Downtown Project gang. That trial was expected to begin next spring.
Kabbouchi also faced charges for kidnapping a pregnant woman in a dispute involving a stolen cryptocurrency wallet.
Violence in Quebec Prisons Rising
Murders in Quebec prisons are rare but growing. Sources say prison violence has become more extreme in the last year.
In December 2024, Andrew Lubérisse, a gang figure, was killed in his cell. That case remains unsolved. In April 2025, 21-year-old Sid Ahmed Moualek died after a fight in jail. Street gang tensions may have led to that attack.
