At least two individuals of Indian descent, Parmpal Sidhu and Amit Jalota, were apprehended in Ottawa, Canada, as part of a group of six suspects detained in connection with a bold multimillion-dollar gold robbery at Toronto’s primary airport last year, marking the largest gold theft in Canadian history.
Peel Regional Police (PRP) has also issued warrants for three additional individuals involved in the case. The theft, which took place on April 17, 2023, involved the disappearance of an air cargo container containing over 22 million Canadian dollars’ worth of gold bars and foreign currency from a secure storage facility through the use of counterfeit documentation.
The stolen gold and currency had recently arrived on an Air Canada flight from Zurich, Switzerland. The investigation revealed that at least two former Air Canada employees played a role in the audacious heist, with one currently in custody and an arrest warrant issued for the other.
In addition to Sidhu and Jalota, the individuals arrested include Ammad Chaudhary, Ali Raza, and Prasath Paramalingam.
Furthermore, Durante King-Mclean, a 25-year-old from Brampton, is currently detained in the United States on charges related to firearms trafficking, with investigators maintaining contact with him and his legal representation.
The arrests were made following an extensive investigation into the incident that occurred last year. It was disclosed that Parmpal Sidhu was employed by Air Canada at the time of the robbery.
Additionally, nationwide warrants have been issued for Simran Preet Panesar, Archit Grover, and Arsalan Chaudhary, all of whom were connected to Air Canada during the time of the theft, as reported. Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick confirmed the employment of Sidhu and Panesar with the national airline.
He stated that one individual had left the company prior to today’s announced arrests, while the second person had been suspended. Due to the ongoing court proceedings, the ability to provide further comments is limited. The lead investigator, Det.-Sgt. Mike Mavity, described the theft from an Air Canada cargo facility as the largest gold heist in Canadian history.
According to CBC News, he mentioned that two employees of the airline played a crucial role in carrying out the theft.
A flight from Zurich, Switzerland, arrived at Pearson International Airport on April 17, 2023, at 3:56 p.m. The cargo on board consisted of 6,600 bars of .9999% pure gold, weighing 400 kilograms, with a value of over 20 million dollars and CAD 2.5 million in foreign currency. Peel police stated that the cargo was offloaded and transported to a separate location on the airport property shortly after landing.
On April 18, the Peel Regional Police received a report of the missing cargo. They immediately initiated an investigation, which has involved collaboration with the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), extending beyond borders.
Significant progress has been made in the investigation by the Peel Regional Police and ATF. In the United States, ATF has arrested an individual who was found in possession of 65 illegal firearms, two of which had been modified to be fully automatic. Among these firearms, five are classified as ‘ghost guns,’ meaning they lack serial numbers and cannot be traced.
The Peel Regional Police investigators have also seized one kilogram of gold, estimated to be worth approximately $89,000.00, believed to be connected to the theft. Additionally, they have confiscated smelting equipment and approximately $434,000 in Canadian currency. As a result, PRP has identified and charged or issued warrants for nine individuals, with a total of 19 charges.
Peel Regional Police considers this investigation a top priority. The boundaries between jurisdictions will not impede our capacity to charge and apprehend the culprits. We are collaborating closely with law enforcement partners at both national and international levels to apprehend the responsible individuals and ensure they face consequences,” stated Duraiappah.
