Fugitive Arsalan Chaudhary Arrested in Canada's $20 Million Gold Heist Case
In a dramatic development, Canadian police have arrested fugitive Arsalan Chaudhary at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The 43-year-old was taken into custody on Monday moments after he arrived on a flight from Dubai.
This arrest represents the latest breakthrough in Project 24K, the ongoing investigation into Canada's largest gold heist. The theft occurred on April 17, 2023, when criminals stole more than $20 million in gold bars from Pearson Airport.
The Airport Heist Details
The theft took place when an Air Canada flight from Zurich landed at Pearson carrying 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold. This amounted to approximately 6,600 gold bars along with $2.5 million in foreign currency.
Police allege that a suspect used a forged airway bill that falsely identified the cargo as seafood. The individual posed as a legitimate driver, collected the valuable shipment, and then disappeared without a trace.
Charges and Investigation Progress
Chaudhary, listed as having no fixed address but previously residing in Mississauga, now faces serious charges. These include theft over $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
He was held in custody for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. The irony of his arrest at the same airport where the gold was stolen has not escaped investigators.
So far, ten people have been charged or are the subject of warrants in connection with this case. Authorities have laid more than 21 charges as the investigation continues.
The Gold's Fate and Criminal Connections
Investigators reveal that much of the stolen gold underwent a transformation. Criminals melted it down at a makeshift forge inside a Brampton jewellery store. They then recast the precious metal into bangles and bracelets for resale.
Some proceeds from the gold sale allegedly funded illegal firearms smuggling from the United States into Canada. This connection adds another layer of criminal activity to the already complex investigation.
Key Suspects Still at Large
Three suspects remain at large or are under active warrants. Police continue their hunt for these individuals:
- Simran Preet Panesar, 33, a former Air Canada employee from Brampton. Investigators believe he served as the key insider who manipulated internal systems to divert the shipment. Panesar is currently believed to be in India, and extradition proceedings are underway.
- Prasath Paramalingam, 36, of Brampton, who faces a bench warrant after failing to appear in court.
- Durante King-Mclean, 27, also of Brampton, who allegedly drove the getaway truck. King-Mclean has already pleaded guilty in the United States to firearms trafficking linked to the heist proceeds and awaits sentencing there.
Police Response and Public Appeal
Peel Regional Police chief Nishan Duraiappah praised the investigation team. He emphasized the force's ability to tackle complex, high-stakes crime through coordination with national and international partners.
"Let it be known, no matter where you try to run or hide, we will find you," Duraiappah declared.
The police are now urging the remaining suspects to surrender voluntarily. They have asked the public to provide any relevant information to the Financial Crime Unit or Peel Crime Stoppers.
The investigation began the day after the theft was reported. It has involved Peel Regional Police working alongside the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This collaboration highlights the international dimensions of the case.
