A Calgary gangster who helped commit the worst gang murder in Calgary’s history is facing deportation to his home country of Uruguay.
Nicholas Hovanesian was originally charged with kidnapping and three counts of first-degree murder, but pleaded guilty to kidnapping and accessory after the fact to murder for his role in the Bolsa triple-murder on New Year’s Day 2009.
Aaron Bendle was kidnapped the night before the shooting, then used as bait to get at rival gang member Sanjeev Mann.
Both Mann and Bendle were shot and killed, along with innocent bystander Keni Su’a, at the Bolsa Restaurant in southeast Calgary.
Hovanesian was sentenced to 14 years in jail, but after credit for time served was left with just under seven years.
Global News has confirmed that following his conviction, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) obtained a deportation order. But he had to complete his sentence before the order could be carried out.
Hovanesian is up for statutory release on Oct. 18. On that date he will go into the custody of CBSA, then be deported as quickly as possible.
According to Parole Board of Canada (PBC) documents obtained by Global News, Hovanesian wants to be deported and is “embracing” the opportunity to connect with family members in Uruguay.
“It appears you believe you can lead a pro-social life if you remove yourself from your negative associates,” the written decision reads.
Hovanesian moved to Canada with his mother when he was seven years old. He said he was exposed to physical and sexual abuse as a child.
He was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) when he was 12 years old. He did not finish high school.
Hovanesian admitted to using both drugs and alcohol between the ages of 14 to 16, then alcohol and cocaine daily until he was 23. He told officials he was intoxicated when he committed the Bolsa offences.
The parole board has noted Hovanesian refused to participate in treatment for his addiction issues. It said substance abuse issues will follow him and could put him at risk of reoffending.
The PBC also said Hovanesian severed ties with his gang while in prison.
The 32-year-old will be permanently barred from returning to Canada.