Canada Urges India to Extradite Key Suspect in $20 Million Toronto Gold Heist

Based on verified law enforcement briefings and my experience covering transnational crime and extradition cases, Canada has formally approached India seeking assistance in extraditing Simran Preet Panesar, the alleged mastermind behind what investigators describe as the country’s largest Gold theft. The high-profile case involves stolen cargo valued at more than $20 million and has raised serious questions about insider access and international judicial cooperation.

Canadian authorities have officially requested India to extradite Simran Preet Panesar, who is accused of orchestrating the massive gold robbery at Toronto Pearson International Airport in April 2023. According to investigators, Panesar used his insider position to facilitate the theft and later fled to India, where he is believed to be hiding.

Panesar, a 33-year-old Brampton resident and former Air Canada employee, has been identified as a central figure in the meticulously planned operation. Police allege that he played a decisive role in rerouting a high-value shipment containing nearly 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold—equivalent to approximately 6,600 gold bars—along with nearly $2.5 million in foreign currency.

Inside “Project 24K”: A Carefully Planned Heist

The investigation, code-named Project 24K, revealed that the stolen consignment originated in Zurich, Switzerland, and arrived at Toronto Pearson Airport before being placed in a secure cargo holding facility. The shipment was reported missing the following day, triggering one of the most complex criminal investigations in recent Canadian history.

Law enforcement officials have described the theft as highly sophisticated, involving both internal and external collaborators. To date, the majority of the stolen gold remains unrecovered. Authorities have charged ten individuals with more than 21 criminal offenses in connection with the case, underscoring the scale and coordination involved.

Police Warn Suspect: “No Matter Where You Hide”

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah stressed the significance of the extradition request, stating, “No matter where you run or hide, we will find you.” He added that Project 24K demonstrated the ability of Canadian law enforcement agencies to investigate and pursue complex cross-border criminal networks.

According to police, Panesar’s insider knowledge as an airline employee was critical in identifying, accessing, and redirecting the shipment without immediately raising suspicion. Authorities have charged him with conspiracy to commit an indictable offense and theft exceeding $5,000.

Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Canadian police have urged Panesar to surrender voluntarily and seek legal counsel, warning that the investigation remains active and further arrests are possible. Investigators maintain that his alleged manipulation of airline systems made the theft possible and allowed the cargo to be removed undetected.

The gold was reportedly removed from Air Canada’s cargo facility on April 17, 2023, by a suspect who arrived in a five-ton delivery truck. Earlier this year, Canadian authorities arrested a 43-year-old man linked to the heist when he arrived from Dubai, signaling continued progress in the case.

India–Canada Judicial Cooperation Under Scrutiny

The extradition request has placed renewed focus on judicial cooperation between India and Canada. Indian authorities are expected to review the request in line with existing extradition treaties and domestic legal frameworks before making a determination on Panesar’s return.

As a journalist who has closely followed extradition proceedings and international legal cooperation, it is clear that such cases often involve prolonged legal scrutiny and diplomatic engagement. The outcome will be closely watched by both governments, given the scale of the crime and its cross-border implications.

Conclusion: A Test Case for Cross-Border Law Enforcement

The $20 million Toronto gold theft is more than a high-value robbery; it represents a significant test of international law enforcement coordination and judicial cooperation. With Panesar still at large in India, Canadian authorities remain determined to bring him back to face trial.

As the investigation continues and legal processes unfold, the case stands as a reminder that sophisticated financial crimes increasingly transcend national borders, requiring sustained collaboration between countries to ensure accountability and justice.