Drama at Toronto airport: The multi-million dollar gold heist that shook Canada!

In what is being called the largest gold heist in Canada’s history, Peel Regional Police (PRP) have arrested six individuals, including two men of Indian origin, for their involvement in a brazen multimillion-dollar theft at Toronto’s main airport. The heist, which occurred on April 17, 2023, involved over 22 million Canadian dollars’ worth of gold bars and foreign currency, stolen right off an Air Canada flight from Zurich, Switzerland.

The audacious theft was reportedly facilitated by insiders within Air Canada. Among those arrested were Parmpal Sidhu and Amit Jalota, both former employees of the airline, highlighting a disturbing breach of security from within. Additional arrests include Ammad Chaudhary, Ali Raza, and Prasath Paramalingam. Furthermore, Canada-wide warrants have been issued for three more individuals, deepening the intrigue and scale of this international crime.

The investigation, which has spanned multiple jurisdictions, highlights the collaboration between the Peel Regional Police and the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The ATF’s involvement came into play particularly after the arrest of Durante King-Mclean in the United States, who was found with firearms trafficking-related charges.

In connection with the investigation, Peel Regional Police have made significant recoveries including one kilogram of gold worth approximately $89,000, believed to be part of the stolen loot, along with smelting equipment and a substantial amount of Canadian currency. These findings are crucial in piecing together the operations of this sophisticated criminal network.

The scale and audacity of this theft not only highlight significant security lapses but also underscore the potential for insider threats in critical infrastructure sectors like air transport. This case serves as a wake-up call for enhanced security measures and more rigorous background checks on employees in sensitive positions.

Chief Nishan Duraiappah of Peel Regional Police commended the efforts of the investigators and the community for their role in addressing this complex case that crossed international borders. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and swift action in such high-stake crimes, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and that similar incidents are deterred in the future.

As this case progresses through the courts, it will undoubtedly continue to capture the public’s attention, not only because of the sheer value of the stolen goods but also because of the dramatic narrative of insider involvement and international crime syndicates operating within Canada.