2 Indian-Origin Men Arrested in Canada’s Largest Gold and Cash Robbery

Two Indian-origin men were among six individuals arrested in Canada in connection with a $22.5 million gold and cash heist. The Peel Regional Police (PRP) reported that warrants were also issued for three additional suspects. According to the police, the theft took place after gold and currency arrived on an Air Canada flight from Zurich, Switzerland.

At least two former employees of Air Canada are believed to have been involved in the theft, and one is currently in custody while an arrest warrant has been issued for the other. The individuals arrested include Parmpal Sidhu, Amit Jalota, Ammad Chaudhary, Ali Raza, and Prasath Paramalingam. Additionally, Durante King-Mclean, from Brampton, is in custody in the United States on firearms trafficking-related charges.

The investigation stems from a crime reported last year and has led to Canada-wide warrants being issued for Simran Preet Panesar, Archit Grover, and Arsalan Chaudhary. Det.-Sgt. Mike Mavity, the lead investigator, referred to the theft as the single-largest gold heist in Canadian history, stating that individuals within Air Canada were essential to its execution.

The cargo, which was reported missing to Peel Regional Police, included one kilogram of gold valued at approximately $89,000, smelting equipment, and about $434,000 in Canadian currency. The investigation has been conducted in collaboration with the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The ATF’s efforts in the United States resulted in the arrest of an individual in possession of 65 illegal firearms, some of which had been modified to be fully automatic.

19 charges have been filed against nine individuals in connection with the theft. Peel Regional Police Chief, Nishan Duraiappah, emphasized the priority of the investigation, stating that cross-jurisdictional boundaries would not impede their efforts to hold the responsible parties accountable. He also commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement partners and the community in addressing the crime.

The Air Canada spokesman confirmed the employment of Parmpal Sidhu and Simran Preet Panesar with the airline, noting that one had left the company prior to the arrests and the other had been suspended. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are working together to ensure that those responsible are arrested and held accountable.