Canada’s Biggest Gold Theft Case: One Arrested, Former Air Canada Staffer in India

Canadian investigators working on Project 24K have made another arrest in the Canada gold heist, which involves more than $20 million in missing gold and foreign currency. Police in Peel Region said the case remains the largest gold theft in Canadian history, and the latest development links the probe to travel routes through Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The newest suspect, 43-year-old Arsalan Chaudhary, was detained at Toronto Pearson International Airport after a flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Peel police said that Chaudhary has “no fixed address”. Chaudhary now faces three criminal charges linked to the theft and alleged handling of stolen property.

Key details of Canada gold heist and Project 24K

According to investigators, Chaudhary has been charged with theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. These charges are part of Project 24K, a long-running, multi-agency inquiry focused on how a high-value cargo shipment vanished from a secure airport facility in 2023.

The Canada gold heist centres on a flight that landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport from Zurich, Switzerland, on 17 April 2023. That aircraft carried about 400 kilograms of.9999-pure gold, equal to roughly 6,600 bars, valued at more than $20 million. The cargo also included foreign currency worth $2.5 million.

How the Canada gold heist unfolded at the airport

After landing, the shipment was removed from the aircraft and moved to another secure area on airport grounds. Within hours, staff reported the entire consignment missing. The disappearance prompted a major response, and Peel Regional Police quickly began coordinating with agencies in other countries to trace the gold and identify possible suspects.

Through Project 24K, officers in Canada linked the Canada gold heist to ten alleged suspects and began laying charges or issuing warrants. The list includes several people from Ontario, many with ties to Brampton and Toronto. The inquiry has also highlighted possible misuse of airline systems and access points at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Suspects tied to Canada gold heist and airline systems

Among those first linked to the Canada gold heist is 33-year-old Brampton resident Simran Preet Panesar. Investigators say Panesar once worked for Air Canada and allegedly used access to airline systems to help identify and divert the high-value cargo. Police believe Panesar is now in India and remains a key wanted suspect.

Officers previously traced Panesar to a rented flat on the outskirts of Chandigarh during 2023. A Canada-wide arrest warrant is in force for Panesar in connection with Project 24K. Authorities continue to work with international partners as they try to track Panesar’s movements and possible support network.

Further arrests in Canada gold heist investigation

The Canada gold heist probe has already led to several other arrests at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Brampton resident Archit Grover was taken into custody there in May 2024 after arriving on a flight from India. Police say Grover is one of multiple people accused of playing roles in handling or moving the missing gold and currency.

Those detained so far include 54-year-old former Air Canada worker Parmpal Sidhu and 40-year-old Ontario resident Amit Jalota. Investigators have also arrested 36-year-old Brampton resident Prasath Paramalingam and 37-year-old Ali Raza from Toronto. Each suspect faces allegations linked to the Canada gold heist, though specific roles differ.

Two more names connected to the Canada gold heist are 43-year-old Brampton resident Ammad Chaudhary and 27-year-old Brampton resident Durante King-Mclean. Both have been arrested in the case. King-Mclean is currently held in the United States on separate firearms trafficking-related charges, but remains part of the Canadian investigation.

Police leaders say the Canada gold heist case shows how airport crime can stretch across borders and use complex methods. “This investigation demonstrates the dedication and expertise of Peel Regional Police in tackling complex, high-stakes crime. Project 24K is a clear example of how our officers, working alongside national and international partners, can disrupt sophisticated criminal activity and hold those responsible accountable. Let it be known: no matter where you try to run or hide, we will find you," Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said.

With the arrest of Arsalan Chaudhary and earlier suspects, investigators in Project 24K have now tied ten people to the Canada gold heist. Some remain at large, including former Air Canada employee Simran Preet Panesar, while others face charges in Canada and the US. Police say their work continues as they try to locate the missing gold and secure further evidence.