Man charged in death of Montreal federal worker who was attacked during conference call
A 33-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a federal government employee in Montreal. The victim, Leïla Ben Salem, was killed during a virtual meeting last month, and the motive remains undisclosed.
Why it matters
The high-profile nature of the crime and the victim's role as a public servant have drawn attention from national political leaders.
at 7:51 p.m. Last Updated: October 16, 2026 at 4:21 p.m. A 33-year-old man has been charged in connection with the killing of a federal government employee in downtown Montreal last month.
Youcef Moussaoui was arrested Thursday afternoon.
On Friday, he appeared at the Montreal courthouse through a video-conference before Quebec Court Judge Sonia Mastro Matteo, where he was charged with first-degree murder.
The Crown objected to his release and Moussaoui is not required to enter a plea to the sole count he faces until the case goes to Superior Court. He was ordered to remain detained, and the case returns to court in December.
Moussauoi does not appear to have a criminal record in Quebec.
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