Three Scottish men have been arrested in connection with the death of a restaurant owner in Canada, who was allegedly killed over an unpaid bill for a meal.
Police in Canada named the three men as Robert Evans, 24, Robert Busby Evans, 47, and Barry Evans, 57. Police Scotland has now confirmed to the Record that all three were arrested in Edinburgh and Dalkeith following an outstanding international warrant.
They are currently awaiting extradition from Scotland.
Sharif Rahman, the owner of The Curry House, was killed in August 2023 in Owen Sound, Ontario. He reportedly died after chasing the men outside his restaurant. He succumbed to his injuries a week later, after being left in a coma.
Police from the town held a conference yesterday afternoon, 17 months after Mr Rahman’s death. They told reporters that 24-year-old Robert Evans had been charged with manslaughter in connection with the incident, following a lengthy investigation.
They also stated that Robert Busby Evans had been arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to commit an indictable offence, while Barry Evans was arrested and charged with the same offence on October 29.
Ontario Provincial Police said the suspects had been visiting Canada when the incident occurred and fled the country shortly afterward. They could not confirm how the men were related.
In the days after the assault, police told the public they were looking for three suspects who had eaten at the restaurant. Officers then released images of two men leaving the area in what appeared to be a vehicle.
“The individuals are currently in the U.K. and are before the courts in relation to extradition. There are no timelines available for the extradition of the accused individuals,” Detective Inspector Jane Conway said.
She described the investigation as “complex” and highlighted the coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, partners, and units. She also thanked Police Scotland for their assistance. The UK’s National Crime Agency has also been involved.
“Due to the nature of the investigation and the international element, the information was sealed in an effort to support the apprehension of the accused,” police said in a news release. “On August 15, 2024, the OPP and OSPS released limited information that arrests had been made. As the information was sealed and one suspect was outstanding, further information could not be released.”
Police noted that the incident had shocked the small town in Canada. Conway said Rahman was “assaulted and tragically succumbed to his injuries. His death has affected not only his loved ones but the entire community.”
Mr. Rahman’s wife, Shayela Nasrin, expressed gratitude to everyone who worked together to lead to the arrests. In a statement, she said: “Although it is a complicated case, I have faith in the rule of law. I have been waiting patiently since Aug 17, 2023 and I believe justice will be served for my husband.”
A GoFundMe for the Rahman family raised $250,000.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Three men, aged 54, 47, and 24, have been arrested in the Edinburgh and Dalkeith areas in connection with an outstanding international warrant.
“Officers from Police Scotland are liaising with the relevant authorities.”
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