The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), in partnership with the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) and Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP), has arrested a man wanted in Quebec for murder, demonstrating the strength of coordinated law enforcement efforts across Canada.

Lee Van Smath Germain was wanted on an outstanding warrant in connection with the May 11, 2022, homicide of Sébastien Giroux in Montréal. On January 22, three individuals were charged in connection with Giroux's death. Two of the accused were arrested at that time, while Germain remained at large.

In January 2026, SPVM investigators determined that Germain had ties to British Columbia and requested assistance from CFSEU-BC. Through close collaboration and intelligence sharing with SPVM and MVTP, investigators launched a coordinated effort to locate and apprehend him.

On July 15,  investigators executed a warrant at a residence in Burnaby where Germain was located and arrested without incident.
Following his arrest, Germain was transported to the Burnaby RCMP Detachment, where he appeared before a judge and was remanded into custody for six days pending his return to Quebec to face the outstanding murder charge.
"This arrest highlights the importance of strong partnerships between law
enforcement agencies across Canada,” says Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media
Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC. "When police agencies share intelligence and work together seamlessly, there are few places where individuals wanted for serious violent offences can evade justice. This arrest is the direct result of that collaboration and our collective commitment to public safety."
The CFSEU-BC acknowledges the assistance of Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP) during this investigation.