Arrests Made in the Largest Gold Heist in Canadian History
In a significant breakthrough, Canadian police have made arrests and issued warrants for nine individuals involved in the largest gold theft in Canadian history. The heist took place at Toronto Pearson Airport in April 2023, where more than 6,500 gold bars, weighing approximately 400kg (881lb), were stolen from a cargo facility along with millions of dollars in cash. The stolen gold was valued at C$20 million.
The authorities described the heist as reminiscent of a “Netflix-series” with a well-organized group of criminals executing the operation. The investigation, code-named Project 24k, has been ongoing for a year and was a joint effort between US and Canadian law enforcement agencies. It involved numerous search warrants and interviews.
Recovery of Stolen Gold and Firearms
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials have managed to recover C$90,000 worth of “pure gold” that had been fashioned into six crudely made bracelets. Additionally, they seized smelting pots, casts, molds, and C$430,000 in cash, which they believe are part of the profits made from selling the stolen gold. The police also made a significant discovery of 65 guns following the arrest of one of the suspects.
One suspect, who was identified as the driver in the heist, was arrested in Pennsylvania for a traffic violation and is currently in custody in the US. Five other suspects, including two airline employees, were arrested and subsequently released pending a court appearance. Arrest warrants have been issued for three others in Canada.
The firearms seized during the investigation were intended for import into Canada, raising concerns about the potential impact on public safety. The authorities emphasized the connection between the stolen gold and the illegal firearms, highlighting the broader implications of the crime.
The Heist and Allegations Against Air Canada
The heist took place inside a cargo holding facility after the gold arrived on an Air Canada flight from Zurich, Switzerland. According to the police, an unidentified person gained access to the goods by presenting a fake airway bill. Subsequently, a five-tonne truck was used to steal the stolen goods.
In the aftermath of the theft, Brink’s International, a US-based security company responsible for coordinating the shipment, filed a lawsuit against Air Canada. Brink’s alleged that the airline had been reckless and failed to prevent the theft, neglecting to verify the identity of the person who absconded with the cargo. The lawsuit claimed that the theft occurred a mere 42 minutes after the goods were unloaded from the plane.
Air Canada has vehemently denied all allegations made by Brink’s, refuting any accusations of careless conduct. The airport authorities have stated that the thieves accessed a warehouse leased to a third party, which falls outside of their primary security line. Brink’s is seeking damages and full reimbursement from the airline for the value of the stolen goods.
Conclusion
The arrests and warrants issued in connection with the largest gold heist in Canadian history mark a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation. The recovery of stolen gold, firearms, and the apprehension of several suspects demonstrate the collaborative efforts of US and Canadian law enforcement agencies.
As the investigation continues, it is crucial to unravel the full extent of the criminal network involved in the heist and bring all responsible individuals to justice. The case serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with high-value cargo transportation and the importance of robust security measures to safeguard such valuable assets.
