Ganito: Fugitive Arrested in South France After Prison Escape
Notorious Home-Invasion Specialist ‘Ganito’ Apprehended in Southern France
Ilyas Kherbouch, known as “Ganito,” has been arrested in Canet-en-Roussillon, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of southern France, bringing an end to a two-week manhunt following his escape from the Villepinte prison near Paris. The arrest, which occurred Friday evening, coincided with Kherbouch’s 21st birthday, officials said.
The capture of the fugitive, a specialist in “home-jacking” – a particularly violent form of burglary involving the sequestration of occupants – involved units from the Pyrénées-Orientales and Hérault departments’ research and intervention brigades, alongside the national fugitive search brigade. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed the arrest on social media platform X, stating the operation was carried out “without incident.”
Kherbouch’s escape on March 7th from the Villepinte facility was orchestrated with the assistance of individuals posing as police officers, a detail that initially shocked authorities and raised serious questions about security protocols at the prison. Le Parisien reported that three individuals falsely identifying as law enforcement were involved in facilitating his departure.
A Pattern of Aggravated Robberies
“Ganito” is known to authorities for a string of aggravated robberies, often characterized by threats and violence against homeowners. He was already serving time for multiple convictions when he escaped and was also under investigation as a suspect in two additional high-profile cases. Notably, Kherbouch was placed under investigation in November 2025 concerning the violent burglary at the home of Gianluigi Donnarumma, then the goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain. Sources close to the investigation indicate he is suspected of commissioning the robbery.
The investigation also revealed allegations that Kherbouch threatened a minor involved in the Donnarumma case, allegedly leading to the minor’s suicide even as in custody, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Le Monde detailed these accusations, highlighting the severity of the crimes attributed to Kherbouch.
The Escape and Initial Response
The circumstances surrounding Kherbouch’s escape were initially unclear, with the breach only discovered two days after it occurred. Two individuals were quickly placed under investigation on March 11th, suspected of participating in the operation that allowed “Ganito” to flee. The use of fake police officers to extract a prisoner from a high-security facility represents a significant security lapse, prompting an internal review of procedures at the Villepinte prison.
The arrest of Kherbouch and a presumed accomplice, who was also being sought in connection with the escape, marks a significant victory for French law enforcement. Ouest-France reported on the swift action taken by the BRI 34 and 66 (Brigades Recherche et Intervention) and the BNRF (Brigade Nationale de Recherche des Fugitifs) in securing the arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Following his arrest, Kherbouch will be returned to custody to face the outstanding charges against him, as well as potential charges related to his escape. His lawyer, Me May Sarah Vogelhut, expressed shock at the arrest but declined to comment further. The Paris prosecutor’s office has confirmed the arrest, and the investigation into the escape and Kherbouch’s criminal activities remains ongoing.
It remains unclear what specific charges Kherbouch will face first, or the timeline for his trial. The investigation will likely focus on identifying all individuals involved in facilitating his escape, and determining the extent of any security vulnerabilities exploited at the Villepinte prison. The incident has already prompted calls for increased security measures at correctional facilities across France.
Confirmed vs. Unclear Details
To clarify the situation, here’s a breakdown of what is confirmed and what remains unclear:
Confirmed:
- Ilyas Kherbouch, alias “Ganito,” was arrested in Canet-en-Roussillon on March 20, 2026.
- He escaped from the Villepinte prison on March 7, 2026, with the help of individuals posing as police officers.
- Kherbouch is suspected of commissioning the burglary at Gianluigi Donnarumma’s home.
- He was already serving time for multiple convictions and was under investigation in other cases.
- An accomplice was arrested alongside Kherbouch.
Unclear:
- The full extent of the network that assisted Kherbouch’s escape.
- The specific charges Kherbouch will face first.
- The timeline for his trial.
- The details of the alleged threats made against the minor involved in the Donnarumma case, beyond the fact that the individual died by suicide.
- The specific security measures that will be implemented at Villepinte and other prisons.
The arrest of “Ganito” represents a significant development in a case that has captivated public attention in France. The investigation is expected to continue, shedding further light on the circumstances surrounding his escape and the extent of his criminal network. 20 Minutes provides ongoing coverage of the case as it develops.