Region of Peel – Peel Regional Police have announced a new arrest and provided updated details in Project 24K, the investigation into the theft of more than $20 million in gold bars from Toronto Pearson International Airport — the largest gold heist in Canadian history.
On Monday, January 12, investigators arrested Arsalan Chaudhary, 43, of no fixed address, at Toronto Pearson International Airport upon his arrival from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He has been charged with Theft Over $5,000, two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, and Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence. Chaudhary was held for a bail hearing and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
The charges stem from an incident on April 17, 2023, when a flight from Zurich, Switzerland, arrived at Toronto Pearson carrying approximately 400 kilograms of .9999‑pure gold — equal to 6,600 bars and valued at more than $20 million — along with $2.5 million in foreign currency. The shipment was offloaded and moved to another location on airport property but was reported missing the following day.
A complex, cross‑border investigation was launched immediately, supported by the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. To date, Peel Regional Police have charged or issued warrants for ten individuals, laying more than 21 criminal charges.
Two suspects remain outstanding. Simran Preet Panesar, 33, of Brampton, is the subject of a Canada‑wide arrest warrant. A former Air Canada employee, Panesar is believed to be in India, and an extradition request has been submitted. He is wanted for Theft Over $5,000 and Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence.
Prasath Paramalingam, 36, of Brampton, is wanted on a bench warrant after failing to appear in court on August 19, 2024. Investigators are urging both individuals to seek legal counsel and surrender to police.
In addition, a warrant remains active for Durante King‑Mclean, 27, of Brampton, on charges of Theft Over $5,000 and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. King‑Mclean recently pleaded guilty in the United States to firearms‑trafficking‑related offences and is expected to be sentenced later this year. Police remain in contact with him and his legal representatives.