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Peel Regional Police (PRP) have arrested and charged a 43-year-old man upon arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport after flying from Dubai in connection with the largest gold heist in Canadian history.
The arrest is the latest development in Project 24K, an investigation Gold bars worth more than $20 million were stolen in April 2023 and $2.5 million in foreign currency from a cargo facility in Pearson.
Police confirmed on Monday that the suspect, Arsalan Chaudhry, of no fixed address, was taken into custody while disembarking from an international flight on January 12.
Choudhury is charged with theft over $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. He was held for bail hearing.
Arsalan Chaudhary. Photo: Peel Regional Police.
The original theft occurred on April 17, 2023When a flight from Zurich, Switzerland arrived at Pearson carrying approximately 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold, equivalent to 6,600 bars, as well as a large amount of foreign cash. The shipment was unloaded and moved to a different location on airport property, but was reported missing the next day.
To date, police have laid more than 21 charges and identified 10 individuals believed to be involved in the thefts. Many of the suspects have ties to Air Canada and international firearms trafficking.
The two men remain outstanding. Simran Preet Panesar, 33, of Brampton, a former Air Canada employee, is believed to be in India. A Canada-wide warrant has been issued, and an extradition request has been submitted. He is wanted for theft over $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense.
Prasad Paramalingam, 36, also of Brampton, is the subject of a bench warrant After failing to appear in court in August 2024.
Police has also issued a warrant For Durante King-McLean, 27, of Brampton, who is currently in the United States and has pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking charges. He is wanted in Canada for theft over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. Investigators say they are in contact with King-McLean and her legal counsel.
Police say the investigation is active and anyone with information is being asked to contact them.
