Netflix-worthy case: Indian-origin men arrested in Canada’s biggest gold heist

“This story is a sensational one and one which, probably, we jokingly say, belongs in a Netflix series,” said Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah. The police officer was referring to a sensational gold and cash heist, touted to be the biggest in Canada’s history. Indian-origin people have been arrested in the case.

Canadian authorities have arrested nine individuals, including some of Indian origin, in connection with the theft of a multi-million dollar gold shipment from Toronto Pearson International Airport originating from Zurich, Switzerland in April 2023. The group that orchestrated the heist included two Air Canada employees.

The stolen cargo consisted of 6,600 bars of pure gold, weighing 400 kilograms and valued at over $20 million and CAD 2.5 million in foreign currency.

“On April 17, 2023, at 3:56 pm a flight landed at Pearson International Airport from Zurich, Switzerland, with a cargo containing 6600 bars of .9999% pure gold, weighing 400 kilograms, valued at over $20 million and CAD 2.5 million worth in foreign currency. Shortly after landing, it was offloaded and transported to a separate location on airport property,” Peel Regional Police reported.

The consignment went missing. And why this is Netflix worthy is because the entire consignment was robbed from the secure Air Canada cargo facility within the Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The theft was reported to the Canadian Police on April 18, 2023, following the cargo’s arrival in Zurich, Switzerland.

Subsequently, Canadian Police initiated an investigation, collaborating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the United States.

The investigation led to the arrest of nine individuals, including some of Indian descent, with charges ranging from theft to possession of property obtained by crime and conspiracy to commit indictable offences.

Among those arrested are individuals of Indian origin, including Parmpal Sidhu, Amit Jalota, Ammad Chaudhary, Ali Raza, Prasath Paramalingam, Simran Preet Panesar, Archit Grover, and Arsalan Chaudhary.

Parmpal Sidhu, a 54-year-old Brampton resident, and Air Canada employee, faces charges of theft over $5000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Amit Jalota, Simran Preet Panesar, a former Air Canada employee from Brampton, Archit Grover, and Arsalan Chaudhary from Brampton and Oakville also face similar charges.

In the US, ATF arrested an individual found in possession of 65 illegal firearms, including two modified for fully automatic capabilities.

Notably, five of these firearms were untraceable and referred to as ‘ghost guns’.

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah commended investigators and partner agencies for their work in this complex international case.

As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.