Canadian police have arrested a man in connection with the country’s largest-ever gold theft, while another key accused in the case is believed to be in India, authorities said on Monday.
Peel Regional
Police said 43-year-old Arsalan Chaudhary was taken into custody at Toronto Pearson International Airport after arriving from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Investigators said Chaudhary has no fixed address. He has been charged with theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained through crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
The arrest is part of Project 24K, an ongoing investigation into the theft of gold worth more than $20 million from Toronto’s main airport in April 2023, a crime described by police as the biggest gold heist in Canadian history.
How the Gold Was Stolen
According to investigators, a flight from Zurich, Switzerland, landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on April 17, 2023, carrying a cargo consignment of nearly 400 kilograms of .9999-purity gold, around 6,600 bars, along with foreign currency valued at about $2.5 million.
The shipment was unloaded and moved to a holding area within airport property, but was reported missing a few hours later, triggering a major investigation involving multiple agencies across borders.
Police said the probe has so far led to charges or arrest warrants against ten individuals linked to the theft.
Accused Linked To India
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 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.
Another accused, Archit Grover, also from Brampton, was arrested at Toronto Pearson Airport in May 2024 after flying in from India.
Others Arrested
Police have also arrested several other suspects, including Parmpal Sidhu (54), a former Air Canada employee, and Amit Jalota (40), both residents of Ontario. Prasath Paramalingam (36) of Brampton and Ali Raza (37) of Toronto have also been taken into custody.
Additionally, 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 highlights the force’s ability to tackle organised and high-value 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.
