Police have announced that nine individuals are facing charges in connection with what is being described as the largest gold theft in Canadian history at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Peel Regional Police revealed that the theft involved 6,600 gold bars valued at over 20 million Canadian dollars, as well as 2.5 million Canadian dollars in foreign currencies. The stolen gold was melted down and used to purchase illegal firearms, according to authorities.
Among those charged are an Air Canada warehouse employee, a former Air Canada manager who provided police with a tour of the cargo facility after the theft, and a jewelry store owner. Peel Regional Chief Nishan Duraiappah referred to the case as something that could belong in a Netflix series due to its sensational nature. The investigation, named Project 24K, revealed that the gold bars, weighing 419 kilograms (923 pounds), and foreign currency were transported in the cargo of an Air Canada flight that arrived on April 17 the previous year.
Detective Sgt. Mike Mavity of Peel Regional Police detailed how the theft took place, explaining that a truck driver arrived at the airline’s cargo warehouse with a fraudulent bill that was accepted by an airline warehouse attendant. The stolen gold was picked up under the guise of a seafood delivery using a duplicate bill that was printed off at the Air Canada warehouse. Mavity emphasized the need for individuals within Air Canada to facilitate the theft, suggesting an inside job.
Several individuals involved in the theft have been arrested, including Air Canada employee Parmpal Sidhu, jewelry store owner Ali Raza, and others from various locations in Ontario. The truck driver alleged to have picked up the gold, Durante King-Mclean, is currently in custody in the U.S. on firearms and trafficking charges. Authorities are still searching for other suspects, including the former Air Canada manager who provided the tour of the facility after the theft.
Peel Regional Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich reported that only a small fraction of the stolen funds has been recovered, highlighting the challenges in retrieving the stolen assets. The investigation revealed an international gun trafficking operation, as the profits from the melted gold were used to purchase illegal firearms. The involvement of individuals within Air Canada in facilitating the theft raised concerns about security protocols within the airline and the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The legal battle between Brinks and Air Canada over the theft continues, with Brinks accusing Air Canada of negligence in handling the valuable cargo. While only a small portion of the stolen funds has been recovered, authorities remain vigilant in tracking down the remaining suspects and recovering the rest of the stolen assets. The case highlights the intricate nature of high-value thefts and the challenges law enforcement face in unraveling such sophisticated criminal operations.
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