Chandigarh, February 15, 2025 ( Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) Simranpreet Panesar, a 32-year-old former Air Canada manager and the alleged mastermind behind Canada’s biggest gold heist, is currently residing on the outskirts of Chandigarh with his family, according to Peel Regional Police of Ontario.
Mentionably, the heist, which took place in April 2023, involved the theft of 6,600 gold bars (weighing 400 kg) and approximately USD 2.5 million in foreign currency from the cargo complex at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The stolen gold and cash had arrived on a flight from Zurich and were taken away in a truck from the airport’s cargo terminal.
After the robbery, Simranpreet Panesar, who was then living in Brampton, Ontario, fled Canada and returned to India. In June 2024, his lawyers stated in the court that he would surrender to Canadian authorities but this has yet to happen. The case is under investigation as “Project 24 Karat” by Peel Regional Police.
Police Still Awaiting Surrender of Simranpreet
Peel Regional Police, which has been investigating the case for over a year, has deployed a team of 20 officers conducting tracking, interviews, and CCTV analysis to piece together the crime. The stolen cargo was loaded onto a tracked truck which was used to transport the gold bars out of the terminal.
While the police remain hopeful about his surrender there is no official confirmation on when Panesar would return to Canada. His lawyer, Greg Lafontaine, previously stated that Panesar has full faith in Canada’s judicial system and is prepared to prove his innocence.
Simranpreet denied media interaction
When media personnel visited Panesar’s residence in Chandigarh he declined to comment citing legal reasons. However, locals are aware of his legal troubles in Canada. He has reportedly told those around him that the matter has been resolved though authorities in Canada continue to investigate.
Nine suspects charged in connection with this heist
So far, nine individuals have been charged in connection with the heist. The charges include theft, conspiracy and possession of property obtained through crime. While some suspects are already facing legal proceedings, Peel Regional Police continue their efforts to bring Panesar back to Canada for trial.
As the case unfolds, authorities in Canada are closely monitoring Panesar’s whereabouts and awaiting further developments regarding his surrender.
