Peel Regional Police (PRP) have identified and charged or issued warrants for nine suspects connected to a $20 million gold heist from last year at Toronto Pearson International Airport, including one suspect from Oakville.
Amit Jalota, a 40-year-old man from Oakville, is among those who have been arrested and charged.
Exactly one year ago today, just before 4 p.m. on April 17, 2023, a flight from Zurich, Switzerland, touched down at Toronto's Pearson Airport in Mississauga. Among its cargo were 6,600 bars of .9999% pure gold, weighing a total of 400 kilograms. Peel Police reported the cargo's value to be over 20 million dollars, with an additional $2.5 million CAD worth in foreign currency.
Shortly after landing, the cargo was offloaded and transported to a separate location on airport property.
On April 18, 2023, at 2:43 a.m., Peel Police received a report that the cargo was missing.
"Peel Regional Police immediately started the investigation, which has crossed borders, and we have been working collaboratively with the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)," said a news release from Peel Police.
The ATF arrested one suspect in the United States, who is said to have been in possession of 65 illegal firearms, two of which were allegedly modified to have fully automatic capabilities. Among these firearms, five are classified as 'ghost guns,' lacking serial numbers and thus untraceable.
Investigators from Peel Police also confiscated approximately one kilogram of gold valued at around $89,000. Additionally, they seized smelting equipment (commonly used to melt gold) and approximately $434,000 in Canadian currency believed to be linked to the theft.
PRP have identified and charged or issued warrants for nine individuals with over 19 charges.
The following suspects were arrested and charged:
Amit Jalota, a 40-year-old man from Oakville:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (x2)
- Theft Over $5,000
- Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
Parmpal Sidhu, a 54-year-old man from Brampton and an Air Canada employee:
- Theft Over $5,000
- Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
Ammad Chaudhary, a 43-year-old man from Georgetown:
- Accessory After the Fact of Indictable Offence
Ali Raza, a 37-year-old man from Toronto:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Prasath Paramalingam, a 35-year-old man from Brampton:
- Accessory After the Fact of Indictable Offence
- Firearms Trafficking, Aiding and Abetting, Conspiracy (U.S. Indictment charges)
These individuals have been released on conditions and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date.
Canada-wide warrants have been issued for the following individuals:
Simran Preet Panesar, a 31-year-old man from Brampton, a former Air Canada employee, who was employed at the time of the theft:
- Theft Over $5,000
- Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
Archit Grover, a 36-year-old man from Brampton:
- Theft Over $5,000
- Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
- Firearms Trafficking Related Offence – US Indictment
Arsalan Chaudhary, a 42-year-old man from Mississauga:
- Theft Over $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (x2)
- Conspiracy TO Commit indictable offence
Investigators urge these individuals to seek legal counsel and turn themselves in to the police.
A warrant in the 1st has been issued for:
Durante King-Mclean, a 25-year-old man from Brampton:
- Theft Over $,5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
King-Mclean is currently in custody in the United States on firearms trafficking-related charges, and investigators are said to be in contact with him and his legal counsel.
Investigators are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Peel Regional Police.
Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.