Peel Regional Police in Canada have made a major breakthrough in the Canada Largest Gold Heist case with the arrest of a key accused linked to the high-profile Project 24K investigation.
On Monday, police arrested Arsalan Chaudhary, 43, at Toronto Pearson International Airport after he landed from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Authorities said Chaudhary has no fixed address and faces charges including theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. Investigators believe his arrest strengthens the case related to the Canada Largest Gold Heist, which shocked the country in 2023.
How the $20 Million Gold Theft Happened
The incident dates back to April 17, 2023, when a flight from Zurich arrived in Toronto carrying a high-value cargo shipment. The consignment included nearly 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold, amounting to around 6,600 gold bars worth more than $20 million, along with $2.5 million in foreign currency.
After the cargo was offloaded, it was moved to a holding area within airport premises. Hours later, officials discovered the shipment was missing, triggering an international investigation. The scale and planning involved soon led authorities to describe it as the Canada Largest Gold Heist.
Multiple Accused And International Links
Police later identified ten suspects connected to the theft. One of the main accused, Simran Preet Panesar, a former Air Canada employee from Brampton, is believed to be hiding in India. Investigators allege Panesar manipulated airline systems to divert the shipment. A Canada-wide arrest warrant remains active against him.
Other accused include Archit Grover, Parmpal Sidhu, Amit Jalota, Prasath Paramalingam, Ali Raza, Ammad Chaudhary, and Durante King-Mclean. Several arrests have already been made in Canada, while King-Mclean is currently in US custody on separate firearms-related charges tied to the wider Canada Largest Gold Heist investigation.
Police Response
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said Project 24K highlights the force’s ability to dismantle organised crime networks operating across borders. He stressed that suspects involved in such crimes cannot evade justice indefinitely.
FAQs
Q: What is the Canada Largest Gold Heist case about?
A: The Canada Largest Gold Heist refers to the 2023 theft of over $20 million worth of gold bars from Toronto Pearson Airport.
Q: Who was recently arrested in the case?
A: Arsalan Chaudhary was arrested at Toronto Pearson Airport after returning from Dubai.
Q: Is the investigation still ongoing?
A: Yes, Project 24K remains active, with police pursuing remaining suspects.
