Canadian Police Nab Suspect in Massive $20 Million Gold Heist
Canadian authorities have made a significant arrest in connection with the country's largest gold heist. Police captured one of the main accused individuals near the original crime scene. This dramatic development comes nearly two years after the brazen theft shocked security officials.
Arrest at Toronto Airport
Peel Regional Police arrested Arsalan Chaudhary on Monday, January 12. The 43-year-old suspect was taken into custody shortly after landing at Toronto's international airport. Chaudhary arrived on a flight from Dubai when officers moved in to apprehend him.
Investigators charged Chaudhary with multiple serious offenses. The charges include theft over C$5,000, two counts of possessing property obtained through crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. Police described Chaudhary as having "no fixed address" at the time of his arrest.
Massive Theft Details
The spectacular heist occurred on April 17, 2023, at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Thieves made off with approximately 400 kilograms of pure gold that arrived on a flight from Zurich. The precious metal shipment also contained C$2.5 million in cash.
The stolen gold represented about 6,600 individual bars. Authorities valued the total haul at more than C$20 million at the time of the theft. Gold prices have surged dramatically since then, making the stolen metal even more valuable today.
After being unloaded from the aircraft, the gold and cash mysteriously disappeared during transfer within the airport facility. The disappearance triggered an immediate international investigation spanning multiple countries.
Ongoing Manhunt for Accomplices
Police continue searching for two additional suspects connected to the elaborate theft. Investigators have identified Simran Preet Panesar, a 33-year-old former Air Canada employee, as a person of interest. Authorities believe Panesar may currently be in India.
The second wanted individual is Prasath Paramalingam, aged 36. Both Panesar and Paramalingam reside in Brampton, Ontario. Canadian officials have already initiated extradition proceedings for Panesar.
Paramalingam failed to appear in court on August 19, 2024, according to court records. This absence prompted additional legal actions against him.
Expanding Investigation
Law enforcement has named this complex case "Project 24K." Investigators have filed more than 21 separate charges related to the heist. The Peel Regional Police are coordinating with the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities issued an additional warrant for Durante King-Mclean, a 27-year-old Brampton resident. King-Mclean faces charges of theft and possession of property obtained by crime. He has already pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking charges in the United States, according to police statements.
Chaudhary appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton for a bail hearing following his arrest. It remains unclear whether he has obtained legal representation for his defense.
The international investigation continues as authorities work to recover the stolen gold and apprehend all individuals involved in this sophisticated criminal operation.
