By Saadeq Ahmed
TORONTO (Reuters) – A former Air Canada manager wanted for his alleged involvement in a $20 million gold heist, the largest in Canadian history, is set to surrender himself, his lawyer informed the Canadian Broadcasting Corp on Friday.
Simran Preet Panesar is facing charges related to the April 2023 theft from Toronto’s Pearson airport.
His lawyer, Greg Lafontaine, revealed to CBC that Panesar was currently out of the country, although the specific location was not disclosed. Lafontaine stated that he had notified authorities of Panesar’s intention to voluntarily return to the country within the next few weeks to surrender.
“He is eager to prove his absolute innocence,” Lafontaine asserted.
Lafontaine expressed Panesar’s confidence in the justice system, claiming that once the prosecution concludes, Panesar will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
Police had announced in April that six individuals had been arrested, with three more remaining at large.
The suspects, which included two Air Canada employees, were accused of falsifying an airway bill to steal a shipment consisting of 6,600 gold bars weighing 400 kg (882 pounds) and C$2.5 million in foreign currency, according to police officials.
Lafontaine’s office declined to provide further comments on the matter.
In recent developments, police announced earlier this month that Archit Grover had been apprehended and charged for his alleged involvement in the gold heist.
### Insight:
The involvement of multiple Air Canada employees in the gold heist sheds light on potential security vulnerabilities within the airline industry and highlights the importance of stringent background checks and security protocols for employees with access to valuable cargo. The ongoing legal proceedings serve as a reminder of the significant repercussions individuals face when engaging in illicit activities, particularly in high-profile cases like this one.
