Vancouver police examine possible link to unidentified man in Netherlands

Vancouver police are examining whether an unidentified man living in a Dutch care home could be John Russell Kenny, a Vancouver man last seen in 1993.

Dutch police recently released video of the man, known as Lucky, seeking help to identify him. He is largely unable to speak after a stroke. Before the stroke, police say he used several nicknames, including “Chris the Canadian,” was seen at Buddhist temples and spoke with a North American accent.

Anton van Straten, an amateur investigator in the Netherlands, said he searched international and Canadian missing-person databases and compared photographs and descriptions using artificial-intelligence tools. He believes there is a strong possibility Lucky is Kenny, whom Vancouver police say had mental-health issues.

Vancouver Police Department Const. Megan Lui said its missing-person unit has contacted INTERPOL and Amsterdam police. The department has provided fingerprints to Dutch authorities for comparison.

The possible Vancouver connection remains only one lead. Dutch police have identified five other persons of interest as they work to establish the man's identity.