Arrests in Major Toronto Airport Cash and Gold Heist

Toronto, Ontario — April 17, 2025 — Canadian law enforcement has arrested multiple suspects in connection with one of the largest cash and gold thefts in the country’s history, after a major investigation into a plot that unfolded at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The Heist: April 2023

The incident began on April 17, 2023, when a cargo container containing **6,600 gold bars and more than C$2 million in foreign cash was stolen from a holding facility at Toronto Pearson airport. The goods were supposed to arrive from Switzerland and were destined for financial institutions in Canada.

Authorities described the theft as highly sophisticated: the suspects presented forged shipping documents and were able to load the container onto a truck without raising immediate suspicion. It was later confirmed that this was one of the largest gold and cash thefts to ever occur at a Canadian airport, involving valuables with a combined worth estimated at more than C$24 million (approximately US$18 million) at the time of the crime.

Investigation and Arrests

Following the theft, the Peel Regional Police launched a joint investigation alongside the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), codenamed Project 24K. They described the case as complex and meticulously planned.

By April 2024, authorities announced that they had laid 19 charges and made six arrests of individuals suspected of being directly involved in the heist. Some suspects included:

• Archit Grover — alleged to be the owner of the getaway truck and involved in transporting the stolen goods. Arrested at Pearson Airport after arriving on a flight from India. Wikipedia
• Parmpal Sidhu — former Air Canada employee charged with conspiracy and theft over $5,000. Wikipedia
• Amit Jalota — charged with possession of property obtained by crime and conspiracy.
• Ammad Chaudhary — charged as an accessory after the fact.
• Ali Raza — jewelry store owner accused of handling property obtained by crime.
  Police also issued Canada-wide warrants for two additional suspects, including Simran Preet Panesar, a former Air Canada manager who later announced plans to return voluntarily to face prosecutors.

Cash and Gold Distribution

During the investigation, police recovered some of the stolen cash (about $430,000) and a portion of gold jewelry ornaments valued at approximately $89,000. According to officials, much of the gold may have been melted down and sold, with proceeds distributed among members of the alleged criminal network. Wikipedia

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah stated that the operation involved organized crime syndicates and was far from an isolated theft. The involvement of individuals connected with the airline cargo operations suggested insider assistance. Wikipedia

International Cooperation and Ongoing Legal Action

The investigation drew in international law enforcement cooperation, reflecting the cross-border nature of high-value theft and property disposition. Canadian authorities worked with U.S. agencies to track suspects and coordinate legal proceedings where applicable. Wikipedia

Meanwhile, the shipping companies and logistics firms involved — including Swiss consignors and Canadian carriers — faced civil litigation over security practices related to the heist. A lawsuit filed by U.S.-based security firm Brink’s sought compensation from Air Canada and related parties, alleging negligence in cargo handling standards. Reuters

Public Safety and Security Implications

This incident has raised serious questions about airport security protocols for high-value shipments and the potential for insider involvement to compromise otherwise stringent controls. Security experts observing the case noted that criminal syndicates are increasingly sophisticated in exploiting procedural gaps. Wikipedia

The Toronto Pearson heist remains a benchmark case in Canadian law enforcement, illustrating both the scale of cargo theft challenges and the complex networks that can operate across international borders. With additional warrants still outstanding and some suspects at large, authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Wikipedia

Sources:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport heist details and arrests, Wikipedia (background and suspects overview). Wikipedia
• Former Air Canada manager wanted in connection with the case preparing to surrender, Reuters. Reuters
• Civil lawsuit regarding the airport cash and gold heist, Reuters. Reuters