Another individual has been formally accused in relation to a substantial gold robbery at Pearson airport in 2023, as stated by authorities. The suspect, identified as Arsalan Chaudhary, was apprehended upon his arrival in Canada after traveling from Dubai. Peel Regional Police Inspector Mike Mavity revealed that Chaudhary had coordinated with his legal representatives to surrender upon landing in Toronto, although the exact reason for his decision to turn himself in remains unclear.
Chaudhary has been charged with theft exceeding $5,000, possession of property acquired through criminal means, and conspiracy to commit a serious offense. He was detained for a bail hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah emphasized in a statement that the arrest highlights the successful collaboration between law enforcement agencies in disrupting sophisticated criminal operations. Duraiappah warned that individuals attempting to evade justice will be pursued relentlessly.
Described as the largest gold heist in Canadian history, the incident occurred on April 17, 2023, involving the arrival of a flight from Zurich, Switzerland carrying a cargo shipment containing 400 kilograms of gold valued at over $20 million at the time, along with approximately $2.5 million in foreign currency. The missing items were reported the following day.
According to Mavity, two distinct groups were implicated in the crime: Air Canada employees allegedly involved in facilitating the theft, and an external group to which Chaudhary belonged. It is believed that Chaudhary played a significant role in organizing the theft and aiding in the subsequent sale of the stolen gold to remove it from Canada.
Following the incident, a search was conducted at Chaudhary’s residence, resulting in the seizure of various items, including $154,000 in Canadian currency, cellphones, SIM cards, and two handwritten lists detailing the allocation of funds amounting to $9 million for different assets. The Crown’s allegations indicate extensive communication between Chaudhary and other suspects linked to the case, with 772 calls or messages exchanged on the day of the heist.
Furthermore, investigators have issued a warrant for a 27-year-old individual from Brampton, Ontario, who has recently pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking offenses in the U.S. Additionally, two other suspects from Brampton, one of whom is a former Air Canada employee, remain at large, with warrants issued for their arrest.