A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in the largest gold heist in Canadian history. The incident took place at Pearson Airport in April 2023, leading to the theft of $22 million worth of gold and foreign currency.
Details of the Sentence
On Wednesday, Judge Shannon McPherson imposed the sentence at a Brampton courthouse. The individual, Arsalan Chaudhary, will serve four years minus 174 days for pre-trial custody. His lawyer, Harval Bassi, noted that Chaudhary spent 87 days behind bars before the trial.
Additionally, a restitution order was issued for 40 years due to the significant value of the stolen items. The Crown had sought a seven-year prison term for Chaudhary, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
Background of the Heist
The gold heist occurred on April 17, 2023, when a flight arrived from Zurich, Switzerland, carrying 400 kilograms of gold valued over $20 million. Along with the gold, about $2.5 million in foreign currency was also reported missing the next day.
Arrest and Charges
- Chaudhary was arrested by Peel police in January after returning to Toronto from Dubai.
- He faced multiple charges, including theft over $5,000, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
Criminal Involvement
Investigators revealed that two groups were involved in the heist. One comprised Air Canada employees who allegedly assisted in the theft, while the other, which included Chaudhary, was made up of external accomplices.
Police have described Chaudhary as a significant figure in organizing the theft and facilitating the sale of the stolen gold. Court documents indicated that he was labeled the “top dog” in the operation, showing the extent of his involvement.
Continuing Investigation
As authorities pursue the case, seven other individuals have also been arrested in connection with this considerable operation. The investigation is ongoing as officials aim to uncover more details surrounding this high-profile crime at Pearson Airport.
