Indian-origin man arrested in Canada’s largest gold heist at Toronto Airport

The theft, valued at over 20 million Canadian dollars, occurred in April 2023 and involved nearly 400 kilograms of gold bars stolen from an Air Canada cargo shipment—an investigation dubbed Project 24K.

Peel Regional Police arrested 43-year-old Arsalan Chaudhary on January 12, 2026, at Toronto Pearson International Airport shortly after he arrived on a flight from Dubai.

Chaudhary, who has no fixed address, coordinated his return through his lawyer and faces charges including theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, said Peel Regional Police Inspector Mike Mavity, as reported by CTV.

“That was arranged through his counsels. We were able to prepare and then arrest him shortly before 9 a.m. when he landed this morning on a flight from Dubai,” Mavity said.

He remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Authorities are also pursuing Indian-origin suspects, including former Air Canada employee Prasath Paramalingam (or Simran Panesar/Preet), believed to be hiding in India with an active warrant, reported Global News.

A separate warrant remains in effect for Durante King-Mclean from Brampton, who pleaded guilty to U.S. firearms charges.

In April 2023, thieves stole a cargo shipment from Zurich, Switzerland, upon its arrival at Toronto's Pearson Airport. The haul included approximately 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold—around 6,600 bars worth over $20 million—plus $2.5 million in foreign currency.