In a remarkable turn of events, what is being described as Canada’s largest-ever gold robbery has unfolded with the arrest of six individuals, including an Air Canada employee. The audacious heist, likened to a plot from a Netflix series, involved the theft of millions of dollars worth of gold bars and currency.
The intricate scheme came to light a year ago, capturing global attention for its brazenness and sophistication reminiscent of a scripted thriller. However, until recently, there had been no breakthrough in apprehending the perpetrators.
After months of intensive investigation into the daring theft, authorities announced the arrest of six suspects, with nine individuals identified in total. The joint efforts of Canadian and US law enforcement agencies were instrumental in advancing the case, although three suspects remain at large.
Among those apprehended is 54-year-old Parmpal Sidhu, an Air Canada employee charged with theft in connection to the heist. Another individual, Simran Preet Panesar, 31, who was also implicated, is currently being sought, having left the airline.
Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah characterized the gold robbery as a sensational story deserving of a place in a fictional narrative, given its intricacies and scale.
The modus operandi of the heist involved manipulation of an airway bill by a group that included two Air Canada employees, resulting in the theft of a significant cargo shipment from Switzerland. The stolen items included 6,600 gold bars weighing a total of 400 kg (882 pounds) and over $2 million in foreign currency.
Authorities have levied a total of 19 charges against the nine suspects, reflecting the gravity of the orchestrated crime.
While five suspects were apprehended in Canada and subsequently released on bail, one individual from Brampton, Ontario, was arrested in Pennsylvania, USA, where he remains in custody due to possession of a firearm.
In response to the incident, Air Canada has suspended the implicated employee from its cargo division, with another individual having already resigned from the company.
The collaborative efforts of Peel Regional Police and US law enforcement agencies led to significant breakthroughs, including the recovery of one kg of gold and approximately $400,000 in currency. Investigators suspect that the stolen gold was melted down to obscure its origins, with the proceeds potentially funding the acquisition of firearms, as indicated by the confiscation of numerous firearms during the investigation.
Sources By Agencies
