Ottawa, Canada: Several individuals, including two individuals of Indian descent, have been apprehended in connection with a bold gold heist at Toronto’s primary airport last year, which stands as the most significant gold theft in Canada’s history.
Law enforcement authorities in Canada have also issued warrants for three additional suspects, according to Peel Regional Police (PRP).
On April 17, 2023, thieves allegedly stole an air cargo container containing over 22 million Canadian dollars’ worth of gold bars and foreign currency from a secure storage facility at Pearson International Airport, utilizing forged documents, as per police reports. The stolen cargo had recently arrived on an Air Canada flight from Zurich, Switzerland.
Former Air Canada employees are believed to have assisted in the audacious robbery, with one already in custody and another subject to an arrest warrant.
Among those arrested were Parmpal Sidhu, 54, and Amit Jalota, 40, both of Indian origin and residents of Ontario, along with Ammad Chaudhary, 43, Ali Raza, 37, and Prasath Paramalingam, 35.
Furthermore, Durante King-Mclean, a 25-year-old individual from Brampton, is currently detained in the United States on charges related to firearms trafficking. Investigators have been in contact with him and his legal representatives.
The arrests mark the culmination of an extensive investigation into the crime reported last year.
Sidhu was employed by Air Canada at the time of the incident, as confirmed by company spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick. Another suspect, Simran Preet Panesar, who was also an Air Canada employee at the time of the theft, is currently the subject of a nationwide warrant, along with Archit Grover and Arsalan Chaudhary.
Detective-Sergeant Mike Mavity described the theft from the Air Canada cargo facility as the largest gold heist in Canadian history and emphasized the involvement of individuals within the airline in executing the crime.
Peel Regional Police stated that the stolen cargo, consisting of 6,600 bars of .9999% pure gold weighing 400 kilograms, valued at over 20 million dollars, and CAD 2.5 million in foreign currency, was reported missing on April 18, 2023.
The investigation has seen cooperation between Peel Regional Police and the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), resulting in significant progress. ATF’s actions in the United States have led to the arrest of an individual in possession of illegal firearms, including “ghost guns,” and the seizure of gold and currency believed to be connected to the theft.
Peel Regional Police have laid charges against or issued warrants for nine individuals, with over 19 charges in total.
Nishan Duraiappah, Chief of Peel Regional Police, commended the collaborative efforts of investigators, law enforcement partners, and the community in addressing the complex and cross-border nature of the investigation.
Duraiappah reaffirmed that the investigation remains a top priority for Peel Regional Police, expressing determination to hold those responsible accountable with the support of national and international law enforcement agencies.
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