Canadian authorities have arrested Arsalan Chaudhary, 43, in connection with a massive gold heist valued at over $20 million. This operation, known as Project 24K, is being described as the largest gold theft in Canada’s history. Chaudhary was apprehended on Monday at Toronto Pearson International Airport after disembarking from a flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He currently does not have a fixed address and faces charges of theft exceeding $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense.
The case revolves around a cargo shipment that landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on April 17, 2023, coming from Zurich, Switzerland. The shipment contained approximately 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold, corresponding to around 6,600 bars worth more than $20 million, plus an additional $2.5 million in foreign currency. Shortly after being unloaded, the gold was moved to another section of the airport complex, where it was reported missing within hours, leading to an extensive police investigation.
In the wake of the gold’s disappearance, police initiated a cross-border inquiry that has resulted in charges or arrest warrants for ten individuals believed to be implicated in the heist. Among them is Simran Preet Panesar, a 33-year-old former Air Canada employee from Brampton, who is thought to be in India. Investigators claim he played a role in identifying and rerouting the cargo by manipulating airline systems. A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued for him following his trace to a rented apartment near Chandigarh.
Another suspect, Archit Grover from Brampton, was arrested at Pearson International Airport in May 2024 upon returning from India. Other individuals connected to the investigation include former Air Canada employee Parmpal Sidhu, 54, and 40-year-old Amit Jalota, as well as 36-year-old Prasath Paramalingam and 37-year-old Ali Raza. Two additional suspects from Brampton, Ammad Chaudhary, 43, and Durante King-Mclean, 27, have also been detained; King-Mclean is currently incarcerated in the U.S. on unrelated firearm trafficking charges.
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah stressed the difficult and intricate nature of the investigation. He noted that Project 24K highlights the commitment and expertise of Peel Regional Police in addressing complex, high-stakes crimes. “Our officers, in collaboration with national and international partners, are capable of dismantling sophisticated criminal operations and ensuring accountability. No matter where you attempt to flee, we will find you,” he asserted.
Ongoing investigations continue to unravel the details surrounding this unprecedented gold heist.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/world/canada-largest-gold-heist-project-24k-toronto-pearson-arrest-ws-e-13968136.html
Category: India
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Publish Date: 2026-01-13 12:39:00
