A shipment containing about 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold and valued at more than $20 million was stolen from an airport in Canada in 2023.
New Delhi: The police in Canada’s Peel on Monday arrested a man in connection with Project 24K, an investigation into the theft of more than $20 million in gold bars, the largest gold heist in the country’s history.
Arsalan Chaudhary, 43, was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport as he flew in from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The police said that Chaudhary has “no fixed address”.
He has been charged with theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
The $20 Million Gold Heist In Canada
A flight arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport from Zurich, Switzerland, on April 17, 2023, carrying a cargo shipment containing about 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold – equivalent to 6,600 bars and valued at more than $20 million – along with $2.5 million in foreign currency.
The shipment was offloaded and transported to a separate location on airport property but was reported missing hours later.
The police then launched a cross-border investigation and identified and charged, or issued warrants for, ten people in connection with the theft.
Among those was Simran Preet Panesar, a 33-year-old man from Brampton. Panesar, a former Air Canada employee who is believed to be in India, is said to have helped identify and divert a cargo shipment by manipulating airline systems.
He was last year traced to a rented flat on the outskirts of Chandigarh. A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued against Panesar.
Other Accused In Canada’s Largest Gold Heist
Another accused, Archit Grover, a resident of Brampton, was arrested at Pearson International Airport in May 2024 as he flew in from India.
Those arrested so far also include 54-year-old Parmpal Sidhu, a former Air Canada employee, and 40-year-old Amit Jalota, both from Ontario.
Parmpal Sidhu (L) and Amit Jalota
Prasath Paramalingam, a 36-year-old resident of Brampton, and Ali Raza, a 37-year-old man from Toronto, have also been arrested.
Prasath Paramalingam (L) and Ali Raza
43-year-old Ammad Chaudhary and Durante King-Mclean, 27, both from Brampton, have also been arrested. King-Mclean is currently in custody in the US over firearms trafficking-related charges.
Ammad Chaudhary (L) and Durante King-Mclean
“This investigation demonstrates the dedication and expertise of Peel Regional Police in tackling complex, high-stakes crime. Project 24K is a clear example of how our officers, working alongside national and international partners, can disrupt sophisticated criminal activity and hold those responsible accountable. Let it be known: no matter where you try to run or hide, we will find you,” Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said.
