**Canadian Police Launch Innovative Campaign to Find the Country’s 25 Most Wanted**

VANCOUVER — Police agencies from across Canada have found a novel way to encourage the public to be on the lookout for the country’s 25 most wanted criminals.

Dozens of people wearing hoodies and balaclava-style masks printed with the suspects’ faces stood on a stage at the Vancouver Club while police announced the newest list as part of the national Bolo Program. This initiative encourages both law enforcement and the public to help locate fugitives.

B.C. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald acknowledged the unusual sight during his speech, saying it was strange to have masked individuals dressed as suspects standing right behind him. He emphasized that many suspects on the list don’t respect borders and could be anywhere, which is why public assistance is crucial to the search.

Max Langlois, the program’s executive director, explained that officers matching the suspects’ size and shape wore the masks to give citizens a clearer idea of who to watch for. Langlois also highlighted the variety of engagement tactics the program has used over time, including life-size cutouts, online contests, and billboards.

“With today’s concept, the spoof masks, we once again raised the bar in what Bolo wants to do to encourage you to be on the lookout behind every one of the spoof masks,” Langlois said.

Many of the top 25 suspects have links to British Columbia. Among them is the number one suspect, Bryan Feuntes Gramajo from Montreal, who is believed to have “strong ties” to the Lower Mainland, according to McDonald.

The Bolo Program also offers rewards for information leading to arrests. The top five cases now include rewards of up to $100,000.

Superintendent Dale Weidman of the Vancouver Police Department acknowledged that the mask display might be unsettling for some but urged the public to consider the important role they could play in helping bring fugitives to justice.

“These individuals are considered dangerous, so don’t approach them. But if you know something, or if you see something, say something. Pick up the phone. Your tip could make a real difference,” Weidman said.

Launched in 2018, the Bolo Program serves to amplify priority wanted notices issued by Canadian police services and foster greater community involvement in locating fugitives.

*This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 8, 2025.*
*Nono Shen, The Canadian Press*
https://www.sudbury.com/national/police-use-spoof-masks-in-help-for-search-for-of-canadas-most-wanted-11323753