Canada gold heist: Man arrested at Toronto airport, key suspect likely fled to India
PTC News Desk: Police in Peel Region, Canada, have arrested another suspect linked to Project 24K, the investigation into the theft of over $20 million worth of gold bars—considered the biggest gold heist in Canadian history.
Officers took 43-year-old Arsalan Chaudhary into custody at Toronto Pearson International Airport after he arrived from Dubai, UAE. Authorities said Chaudhary currently has “no fixed address.” He faces charges of theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained through crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
Details of the $20 Million Gold Theft
On April 17, 2023, a flight from Zurich landed at Toronto Pearson Airport carrying a high-value cargo: approximately 400 kg of pure .9999 gold, equal to around 6,600 bars worth more than $20 million, along with an additional $2.5 million in foreign currency. The cargo was unloaded and moved to a secure holding area within airport grounds—but only hours later, the shipment was discovered missing.
The incident triggered a major cross-border investigation, ultimately leading police to identify, charge, or issue warrants for ten individuals believed to be involved.
One of the suspects is 33-year-old Simran Preet Panesar from Brampton. A former Air Canada employee, Panesar allegedly used his insider access to locate and reroute the valuable shipment by tampering with airline systems. Investigators believe he fled to India, where he was traced to a rented apartment on the outskirts of Chandigarh. A Canada-wide arrest warrant remains active against him.
Other Individuals Connected to the Heist
Another suspect, Archit Grover of Brampton, was arrested at Pearson Airport in May 2024 upon returning from India. Others taken into custody include:
Parmpal Sidhu, 54, former Air Canada staffer
Amit Jalota, 40, from Ontario
Ammad Chaudhary, 43, Brampton
Durante King-Mclean, 27, Brampton — currently jailed in the United States on firearms trafficking charges
"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.
- With inputs from agencies
