By nerdynewsnet 
The Toronto Pearson International Airport gold heist, executed on April 17, 2023, stands as Canada’s largest gold theft to date. Thieves absconded with 6,600 gold bars valued at approximately CAD 20 million, along with CAD 2.5 million in cash, from an Air Canada cargo facility.
Modus Operandi:
The operation was notably sophisticated. Upon arrival from Zurich, Switzerland, the valuable cargo was stored at the Air Canada cargo facility. The perpetrators presented a counterfeit airway bill—a document typically used for legitimate shipments, such as seafood—to facility staff. This deceptive tactic enabled them to gain possession of the gold and currency without arousing immediate suspicion.
Investigation and Arrests:
A year-long investigation, dubbed Project 24K, culminated in multiple arrests:
- Air Canada Employees: Two individuals with direct access to the cargo facility were implicated. One employee, 54-year-old Parmpal Sidhu, was arrested, while a former employee, 31-year-old Simran Preet Panesar, is currently evading capture and is the subject of a nationwide warrant. Business Insider
- Additional Suspects: In total, nine individuals have been charged or are being sought in connection with the heist. Notably, Durante King-Mclean was apprehended in Pennsylvania, USA, after being found with 65 illegal firearms, suggesting a potential link between the stolen gold and firearm trafficking. Business Insider
Recovery Efforts:
Despite the arrests, only a fraction of the stolen assets has been recovered:
- Monetary Seizures: Approximately CAD 430,000 in cash was retrieved during the investigation. Global News
- Gold Artifacts: Six crudely fashioned gold bracelets, collectively valued at over CAD 89,000, were seized. These items are believed to have been crafted from the stolen gold, indicating efforts to alter its original form to hinder traceability. Global News
Legal Disputes:
The heist has precipitated legal confrontations between involved parties:
- Brink’s vs. Air Canada: Brink’s, responsible for transporting the gold from Zurich, has filed a lawsuit against Air Canada, alleging inadequate security measures for the valuable cargo. Air Canada disputes these claims, asserting that Brink’s neither declared the shipment’s value nor secured appropriate insurance. The Guardian
Current Status:
The investigation remains active, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and recover the unrecovered gold and cash. Authorities continue to unravel the complexities of this audacious heist, which has garnered international attention.