In a dramatic development tied to what authorities describe as Canada's largest gold robbery, a key suspect has been taken into custody right near the scene of the audacious crime. Arsalan Chaudhary, 43, was arrested by Peel Regional Police on Monday, January 12, 2026, immediately after his flight from Dubai landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The Multi-Million Dollar Heist: A Timeline
The case stems from a breathtaking theft that occurred on April 17, 2023. On that day, a shipment containing approximately 400 kilograms of pure gold, alongside $2.5 million in cash, arrived at Pearson airport from Zurich. The precious cargo vanished without a trace after being moved to another area within the airport facility, sparking an extensive international investigation.
At the time of the theft, police valued the gold haul at over US$20 million, equivalent to about 6,600 bars. Notably, the spot price of gold has more than doubled since the heist, reaching record highs, meaning the stolen metal's current value is substantially greater.
Charges and the Ongoing Manhunt
Chaudhary now faces serious charges including theft over $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. Described in court documents as "of no fixed address," he was held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
This arrest is part of the major investigation dubbed "Project 24K." Investigators have now laid more than 21 charges in the case, working in collaboration with the Philadelphia Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
However, the manhunt is far from over. Police are actively seeking two other individuals from Brampton: Simran Preet Panesar, 33, a former Air Canada employee, and Prasath Paramalingam, 36. Authorities believe Panesar is currently in India, and an extradition request has been submitted. Paramalingam failed to appear in court on August 19, 2024.
Additional Suspect and U.S. Conviction
An additional warrant has been issued for 27-year-old Durante King-Mclean, also from Brampton, for theft and possession of property obtained by crime. Peel police disclosed that King-Mclean has already pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking charges in the United States, adding a cross-border criminal dimension to the sprawling case.
The arrest of Chaudhary marks a significant breakthrough in a complex, high-value investigation that has captivated law enforcement and the public for nearly three years. The pursuit of the remaining suspects and the recovery of the monumental stolen assets continues.
