Another individual has been formally accused in connection with a substantial gold theft at Pearson airport in 2023, with law enforcement indicating that he was apprehended upon his entry into Canada on Monday. Peel Regional Police Inspector Mike Mavity informed CBC News that Arsalan Chaudhary, aged 43, was detained after flying to Toronto from Dubai. Chaudhary had coordinated with his legal representatives to surrender upon arrival, although Mavity stated that the specific reason for his decision to turn himself in was unknown.
Chaudhary has been charged with 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.
In a released statement, Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah highlighted how collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies worldwide can disrupt complex criminal operations. Duraiappah warned that regardless of the attempts to evade capture, law enforcement will locate and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities.
The authorities have described the event as the most significant gold theft in Canadian history, with seven other suspects previously arrested in connection with the incident. The theft occurred on April 17, 2023, involving a flight from Zurich, Switzerland carrying a cargo shipment containing 400 kilograms of gold valued at over $20 million at the time, along with approximately $2.5 million in foreign currency. The missing items were reported the following day.
According to Mavity, two groups were implicated in the case: Air Canada employees allegedly aiding in the theft and an external group to which Chaudhary belonged. Mavity stated that after the gold was taken from the Air Canada cargo, Chaudhary reportedly facilitated the sale and removal of the gold from Canada.
The Crown’s allegations, exclusively obtained by CBC’s The Fifth Estate, suggest that Chaudhary played a significant role in planning the theft and subsequent activities. One suspect referred to him as the mastermind behind the heist.
Following the incident, police conducted a search at Chaudhary’s residence, seizing various items including $154,000 in Canadian currency, cellphones, SIM cards, and two handwritten lists detailing funds allocation totaling $9 million. The document also reveals that on the day of the heist, Chaudhary communicated with two other suspects associated with the case 772 times.
A warrant has been issued for a 27-year-old individual from Brampton, Ontario, linked to the case, who is awaiting sentencing in the U.S. for firearms trafficking-related charges. Additionally, two other suspects from Brampton, one being a former Air Canada employee, remain at large with warrants out for their arrest.