British ColumbiaA former correctional officer at a jail in Port Coquitlam, B.C., has been accused of breach of trust for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate, as well as not reporting or facilitating contraband.Public Safety Ministry calls charges ‘deeply disturbing’Liam Britten · CBC News · Posted: Oct 23, 2025 7:54 PM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesA former guard at North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam, Ramandeep Rai, is accused of breach of trust by a public officer for allegations over contraband and an inappropriate relationship with an inmate. (Ben Nelms/CBC)A former correctional officer at a jail in Port Coquitlam, B.C., has been accused of breach of trust for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate, as well as not reporting or facilitating contraband.Coquitlam RCMP sent a statement Thursday afternoon announcing two counts had been approved by prosecutors against Ramandeep Rai (maiden name Bassi) of Abbotsford on Oct. 15.Rai, police said, formerly worked at North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam — although the exact dates of her employment were not given.A charge information document obtained from the provincial court registry, dated Sept. 11, details one charge approved against her.Coquitlam RCMP say that two charges were approved on Oct. 15. (Ben Nelms/CBC)The document contains allegations that, from July 14, 2022 to Sept. 29, 2022, Rai “did, in connection with the duties of her office commit fraud or a breach of trust, by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate.”The B.C. Prosecution Service told CBC News a second count was sworn later, alleging “failing to report the existence of contraband and/or facilitating the use and movement of contraband.”Police say their investigation began in September 2022. In their statement, they allege the second breach of trust incident took place between Sept. 11, 2022 and Sept. 29, 2022.Police did issue a second statement Thursday, clarifying the charges are not connected to the escape of convicted murderer Rabih Alkhalil, who broke out of the jail on July 21, 2022, and was arrested three years later in Qatar.The provincial court registry told CBC News that a first appearance for Rai is set for November.Ministry defends ‘rigorous’ hiring standardsPolice would not say if Rai had been arrested, is in custody or in the community — only that she had been “compelled to appear in court via a summons.”The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, which is responsible for B.C. Corrections, called the charges “deeply disturbing.”“As soon as potential misconduct came to light, [B.C.] Corrections reported it to law enforcement and launched an internal investigation,” an emailed statement read.The ministry said it employs 1,300 officers “who serve with integrity and professionalism” and it employs various internal intelligence efforts to find security breaches.“British Columbians can be assured that [B.C.] Corrections maintains rigorous hiring standards aligned with those of other law enforcement agencies and staff are held to high professional and ethical expectations,” the statement continued.“When those standards are not met, a full range of disciplinary actions can be taken, including dismissal.”ABOUT THE AUTHORLiam Britten is an award-winning journalist for CBC Vancouver. You can contact him at liam.britten@cbc.ca or follow him on Twitter: @liam_britten.
Contraband, inappropriate relationship with inmate alleged in charges against ex-jail guard
