Overview
- Peel Regional Police arrested 43-year-old Arsalan Chaudhary at Toronto Pearson after a flight from Dubai and charged him with theft over $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
- Project 24K now counts 10 individuals charged or subject to warrants, with more than 21 charges laid, and two suspects still outstanding, including former Air Canada employee Simran Preet Panesar who is believed to be in India and subject to an extradition request.
- Police say most of the roughly 400 kg shipment was likely melted and moved overseas, and they have recovered less than $100,000 in melted gold along with some cash, vehicles, watches and smelting equipment.
- Court and police materials reported by media allege Chaudhary played a significant planning role and helped move the gold after the theft, though those allegations have not been tested in court.
- Investigators highlight cross-border cooperation with U.S. authorities, noting a related U.S. arrest of alleged driver Durante King-Mclean on separate firearms charges and an outstanding bench warrant for Prasath Paramalingam.