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Canada Seeks Extradition of Simran Preet Panesar From India in $20 Million Toronto Gold Heist

The move tests IndiaCanada cooperation on a case that India’s Enforcement Directorate is probing for alleged hawala links.

Overview

  • Peel Regional Police said a Canada-wide warrant names Panesar, 33, a former Air Canada employee believed to be in India, on charges including theft over $5,000 and conspiracy.
  • Investigators allege Panesar used insider access to identify the Zurich shipment and manipulated the air‑cargo system to enable the container’s removal at Toronto Pearson Airport.
  • On January 12, police arrested suspect Arsalan Chaudhary at Toronto Pearson after his arrival from Dubai, calling it a key step in Project 24K.
  • ED officials in India say they are coordinating with Canadian authorities and cite records indicating over Rs 8.5 crore moved via hawala into Panesar-linked accounts, including transfers to M/S Star Makers Entertainment.
  • Police say nine people have been charged or named in the case and two remain outstanding, with the stolen shipment comprising about 400 kg of gold and approximately $2.5 million in foreign currency.