A suspect wanted on a Canada-wide warrant in connection with Canada’s largest gold heist is reportedly planning to return to Canada to surrender to authorities.
Simran Preet Panesar, a 31-year-old Brampton resident and former Air Canada employee, is wanted in connection with the theft of approximately $20 million in gold from a cargo facility at Pearson Airport in Mississauga on April 17, 2023. The heist required inside knowledge of Pearson Airport’s operations, experts have noted.
In April, Peel Regional Police announced the arrest and charging of six individuals and issued Canada-wide warrants for three others, including Panesar. At the time of the theft, Panesar was employed by Air Canada and had even assisted police by providing a tour of the cargo facility early in the investigation. He later resigned and left the country.
Panesar and his lawyer have contacted them, indicating his intention to return to Canada and turn himself in to police within the next few weeks. There are indications that Panesar may be in India, as his wife, Preety Panesar, an actress and singer, posted photos with him in what appears to be Punjab shortly after the robbery. There is no evidence suggesting that Preety Panesar is involved in the heist.
Panesar faces charges of theft over $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. He reportedly denies these charges.
Another suspect, 36-year-old Brampton resident Archit Grover, was taken into custody after arriving at Pearson Airport on May 6. A police spokesperson confirmed that Grover returned to Canada voluntarily to surrender.
The third wanted suspect, Arsalan Chaudhary, 42, remains at large and has no fixed address.