Canadian Authorities Arrest Suspect in Record-Breaking Gold Heist at Toronto Airport

Archit Grover, a 36-year-old individual of Indian descent, has been apprehended in Canada in connection with a daring heist at Toronto’s main airport, marking the culmination of a high-stakes investigation following the largest theft in the country’s history. The incident, which occurred on April 17, 2023, involved the disappearance of a significant haul of gold bars and foreign currency, valued at more than 22 million Canadian dollars, from a secure storage facility at Pearson International Airport. This cargo had been transported via an Air Canada flight originating from Zurich, Switzerland.

Following the flight’s arrival, the cargo was unloaded and moved to a designated area within the airport premises. However, it was discovered missing the following day, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Investigators determined that the theft had been executed using counterfeit documentation.

On May 6, 2024, authorities apprehended Archit Grover at Toronto’s airport upon his arrival from India, culminating a Canada-wide search initiated by a warrant for his arrest. Grover faces charges of theft exceeding 5,000 Canadian dollars and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, as confirmed by Peels Regional Police.

Grover underwent a bail hearing and subsequently appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. Additionally, it has been revealed that Grover is also facing indictment in the United States on firearm-related charges.

This arrest follows the detention of five other individuals involved in the heist: Parmpal Sidhu (54), Amit Jalota (40), Ammad Chaudhary (43), Ali Raza (37), and Prasath Paramalingam (35). Two individuals, Simran Preet Panesar (31) and Arsalan Chaudhary (42), remain at large, with warrants issued for their arrest.

Of particular note is the alleged involvement of former Air Canada employees in facilitating the theft. One such individual is currently in custody, while another is the subject of an arrest warrant. Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick confirmed the employment history of Sidhu and Panesar with the airline, indicating that one had left the company prior to the arrests, while the other has been suspended.

The stolen cargo comprised 6,600 bars of .9999 pure gold, weighing 400 kilograms and valued at over 20 million dollars, alongside 2.5 million Canadian dollars’ worth of foreign currency. In a significant development, investigators seized one kilogram of gold, estimated at approximately 89,000 Canadian dollars, believed to be linked to the theft, in addition to smelting equipment and approximately 434,000 Canadian dollars in currency.