In a complex international case, the Canadian authorities have arrested nine individuals, including some of Indian origin, in connection with a multi-million dollar gold and cash heist.
The stolen cargo, comprising 6,600 bars of pure gold, weighing 400 kg, worth over $20 million and CAD 2.5 million in foreign currency, is touted to be Canada’s biggest gold heist.
The shipment of gold bars and foreign currency had arrived from Zurich, Switzerland earlier this month. It was stolen from a secure Air Canada facility at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Indian-origin men were among the robbers which included two staffers of Air Canada.
On April 17, 2023, a flight landed at Pearson International Airport from Zurich carrying the cargo. The cargo was offloaded and transported to a location on airport property, police sources said.
Missing consignment
The consignment went missing. The theft was reported to the Canadian Police on April 18, 2023. Subsequently, Canadian Police initiated an investigation, collaborating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the US.
The probe led to the arrest of nine individuals with charges ranging from theft to possession of property obtained by crime and conspiracy.
The Indian origin individuals arrested include 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. Simran Preet Panesar, is also a former Air Canada employee from Brampton. The other Indian-origin robbers face similar charges.
Also Read: Former IOB Manager Jailed For Fraud
