Canada Seeks India’s Help to Arrest, Extradite Suspect in $22M Toronto Gold Heist

Canada has asked the Indian government to arrest and extradite Simranpreet Panesar in connection with the historic $22-million gold heist at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.

Peel Regional Police believe the former Air Canada employee was a key figure in the alleged conspiracy and misused his position at the airline’s cargo warehouse to help steal the gold.

According to a National Post report, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) is separately investigating Panesar in connection with a hawala network, and he is currently barred from leaving the country. Canadian authorities are seeking his extradition so he can face charges in Canada, where proceedings against other accused individuals have already begun.

Panesar is also suspected of laundering proceeds from the stolen gold through various activities, the report said.

The case initially involved nine accused people. The trial of 56-year-old Parmpal Sidhu is scheduled to begin Monday in Brampton.