Indian-Origin Former Air Canada Manager to Surrender in Heist Case
A 31-year-old Indian-origin former Air Canada manager, Simran Preet Panesar, wanted in connection with Canada’s largest gold and cash heist worth CAD 22.5 million, is preparing to surrender in the next few weeks, according to his lawyer Greg Lafontaine. The lawyer expressed Panesar’s confidence in the Canadian justice system and stated that Panesar believes he will be absolved of any wrongdoing once the prosecution is over.
Details of the Heist
On April 17, 2023, an air cargo container carrying more than 22 million Canadian dollars worth of gold bars and foreign currency was stolen from a secure storage facility using fake paperwork. The gold and currency had arrived on an Air Canada flight from Zurich, Switzerland, to Pearson International Airport in Toronto. The cargo was reported missing to the police a day after it was offloaded and transported to a separate location on airport property.
Arrests and Warrants Issued
Police have arrested six individuals involved in the theft, including Indian-origin suspects. Canada-wide warrants were issued for Panesar, who was also an Air Canada employee at the time of the heist. Another Indian-origin individual, Archit Grover, was arrested in May 2024 at the airport in Toronto as he flew in from India.
Remaining Suspects and Seized Items
Peel Regional Police are actively pursuing leads to locate the remaining suspects involved in the heist. The stolen cargo consisted of 6,600 bars of .9999 pure gold, weighing 400 kilograms, valued at over 20 million dollars, along with Canadian dollars 2.5 million in foreign currency.
In a noteworthy development, investigators seized one kilogram of gold worth approximately CAD 89,000, believed to be from the theft, as well as smelting equipment and approximately CAD 434,000 in Canadian currency.
Insight into the Case
The case of the massive gold heist at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport sheds light on the complexities of airport security and the vulnerabilities that can be exploited by organized criminal groups. The swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending suspects and recovering part of the stolen goods showcase the importance of international cooperation in combating sophisticated crimes of this nature. Additionally, the willingness of individuals like Simran Preet Panesar to voluntarily surrender and face the justice system underscores the belief in due process and accountability.
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First Published: Jun 15 2024 | 3:48 PM IST
