Biggest gold theft in Canadian history: Another suspect arrested in Toronto after robbery of gold worth $20 million, key accused believed to be in India

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• Canadian police arrest Arsalan Chaudhary in $20M gold heist at Toronto airport
• Ten suspects linked to Canada's largest gold theft charged or wanted
• Prime suspect Simran Preet Panesar likely in India; Canada-wide warrant issued

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Canadian authorities have arrested one more suspect in connection with what is being described as the largest gold theft in the country’s history, while another prime accused is believed to be in India, police said on Monday.

Peel Regional Police said 43-year-old Arsalan Chaudhary was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport after arriving from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Investigators said Chaudhary does not have a fixed address and has been charged with theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained through crime and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

The arrest is linked to Project 24K, a large-scale investigation into the theft of gold worth more than $20 million from Toronto’s main airport in April 2023. Police have described the incident as the biggest gold heist ever recorded in Canada.

According to investigators, a flight from Zurich, Switzerland, landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on April 17, 2023, carrying a cargo shipment of nearly 400 kilograms of .9999-purity gold, estimated at around 6,600 bars, along with foreign currency worth approximately $2.5 million. The cargo was unloaded and transferred to a secure holding area within the airport but was reported missing a few hours later, prompting a multi-agency investigation that extended across international borders.

Police said the probe has so far resulted in charges or arrest warrants against ten people connected to the theft.

Among those named is Simran Preet Panesar, a 33-year-old former Air Canada employee from Brampton, who investigators believe is currently in India. Police allege Panesar played a crucial role in identifying and diverting the shipment by exploiting airline systems. He was earlier traced to a rented accommodation near Chandigarh, and a Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued against him.

Another accused, Archit Grover, also from Brampton, was arrested at Toronto Pearson Airport in May 2024 after arriving from India.

Several other suspects have also been taken into custody, including Parmpal Sidhu, 54, a former Air Canada employee, and Amit Jalota, 40, both residents of Ontario. Police have also arrested Prasath Paramalingam, 36, of Brampton, and Ali Raza, 37, of Toronto. In addition, Ammad Chaudhary, 43, and Durante King-Mclean, 27, both from Brampton, have been arrested. King-Mclean is currently being held in the United States in connection with firearms trafficking charges.

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said the case underlines the force’s ability to investigate complex, organised crimes.

“Project 24K shows how coordinated efforts with national and international partners can dismantle sophisticated criminal networks. Those involved should know that there is no safe place to hide,” he said.