Canada $20 Million Gold Heist: Toronto Requests India To Extradite Key Accused Simran Preet Panesar

Canada has formally requested India to extradite Simran Preet Panesar, the main accused in a major gold theft case, who is believed to be in the country. Peel Regional Police said Panesar, a 33-year-old

former Air Canada employee from Brampton, is believed to be in India. A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued against him.

Police said Panesar is wanted on charges of theft over $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. An extradition request has been submitted to Indian authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.

This came after a major breakthrough in the investigation. Peel Regional Police arrested another suspect in connection with Project 24K, the investigation into the largest gold heist in Canadian history. On January 12, Arsalan Chaudhary, a 43-year-old man of no fixed address, was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport after arriving from Dubai. He faces multiple charges, including theft over $5,000 and conspiracy.

What we know about the gold heist?

The theft took place in April 2023 after a flight from Zurich arrived in Toronto carrying around 400 kilograms of pure gold, valued at more than $20 million, along with $2.5 million in foreign currency. The shipment went missing after being moved within airport property. Police claimed Panesar played a key role in identifying and diverting the cargo by exploiting airline systems. He was previously traced to a rented accommodation near Chandigarh, and a Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued against him.

Other accused and ongoing search

Police said nine individuals have been charged or are wanted, with more than 21 charges laid. Two suspects remain at large, including Panesar and Prasath Paramalingam, who failed to appear in court. Another accused, Durante King-Mclean, faces charges in Canada and has pleaded guilty to firearms offences in the United States.

Canadian police have urged the remaining suspects to seek legal advice and surrender. Peel Police said the case shows their commitment to tracking suspects, regardless of where they try to hide.