Another individual has been charged in connection with a significant gold robbery at Pearson Airport in 2023, with authorities stating that the suspect was apprehended upon entering Canada on Monday. Peel Regional Police Inspector Mike Mavity informed CBC News that 43-year-old Arsalan Chaudhary was detained after arriving in Toronto from Dubai. Chaudhary had coordinated with his legal representatives to surrender upon landing, although the specific reason for his decision to do so remains unclear.
Chaudhary now faces charges of theft exceeding $5,000, two counts of possessing unlawfully obtained property, and conspiracy to commit a serious offense. He was detained for a bail hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah emphasized that the arrest highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between local and international law enforcement in disrupting sophisticated criminal operations, warning perpetrators that they cannot evade justice.
The incident, regarded as the largest gold theft in Canadian history, occurred on April 17, 2023, involving a shipment of 400 kilograms of gold and $2.5 million in foreign currency from a flight originating in Zurich, Switzerland. The missing items were reported the following day.
The investigation identified two groups involved in the crime: Air Canada employees allegedly aiding in the theft and an external group, including Chaudhary, who played a role in facilitating the illegal sale and removal of the stolen gold from Canada.
According to the Crown’s allegations, Chaudhary was heavily involved in planning the theft and coordinating post-offense activities, earning him the moniker “top dog” among the suspects. Following the robbery, police searched Chaudhary’s residence, seizing various items such as Canadian currency, cellphones, SIM cards, and handwritten lists outlining fund allocations totaling $9 million.
Additionally, investigators revealed that Chaudhary had extensive communication with other suspects implicated in the case, exchanging messages over 700 times within a day. Messages exchanged post-theft indicated a sense of excitement and satisfaction among the suspects involved.
Authorities have also issued a warrant for a 27-year-old individual from Brampton linked to the case, who is currently facing firearms trafficking charges in the U.S. Two other suspects, including a former Air Canada employee, from Brampton remain at large, with warrants issued for their arrest.