Peel Regional Police have arrested a man in connection with Project 24K, the investigation into Canada’s largest gold heist, in which more than $20 million in gold bars was stolen from Toronto Pearson International Airport. 43-year-old Arsalan Chaudhary, who has no fixed address, was taken into custody at Pearson Airport as he arrived from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He faces multiple charges, including theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
The heist occurred on April 17, 2023, when a flight from Zurich, Switzerland, carried a cargo shipment containing around 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold—approximately 6,600 bars worth over $20 million, along with $2.5 million in foreign currency. The shipment was offloaded and moved to a separate location on airport property, but was reported missing to Peel Regional Police the following day.
Two suspects remain at large: 33-year-old Simran Preet Panesar of Brampton, believed to be in India, for whom a Canada-wide arrest warrant and extradition request have been issued; and 36-year-old Prasath Paramalingam of Brampton, who failed to appear in court in August 2024. Investigators urge them to seek legal counsel and surrender to authorities.