A former Air Canada manager, Simran Preet Panesar, accused of participating in a massive $20 million gold heist at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, is preparing to surrender to authorities. This heist, noted as the largest in Canadian history, took place in April 2023.
Panesar’s lawyer, Greg Lafontaine, informed the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) that Panesar is currently abroad, though his exact location remains undisclosed. Lafontaine has communicated to the authorities that Panesar intends to return to Canada voluntarily within the coming weeks to face the charges against him.
Lafontaine expressed Panesar’s eagerness to clear his name, stating, “He is anxious to have an opportunity to demonstrate his absolute innocence.” Panesar reportedly has great faith in the justice system and believes he will be absolved of any wrongdoing once the legal process concludes.
In April 2023, a sophisticated theft operation unfolded at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, where 6,600 gold bars, weighing approximately 400 kg (882 pounds), along with C$2.5 million in foreign currency, were stolen. The suspects allegedly forged airway bills to carry out the theft of the cargo, which had arrived from Switzerland.
Following the heist, police arrested six individuals and have been on the lookout for three more suspects. Among those arrested were two Air Canada employees, pointing to a potential internal conspiracy. Earlier this month, police arrested and charged another individual, Archit Grover, in connection with the gold heist.
Lafontaine, while confident in Panesar’s innocence, refrained from providing further comments on the case, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
As Panesar prepares to return and face the charges, the case continues to develop, drawing significant public and media attention. The outcome of this high-profile case may set important precedents for handling similar large-scale thefts and internal conspiracies within corporate and airport security frameworks.
Air Canada is not doing super great as of lately, with issues varying from plane engine fires to airplane cabin depressurization to pilots not being happy with their pay onto general disappointment of its passengers. It remains to be seen whether Mr. Simran Preet Panesar is indeed responsible for the gold heist, but it’s one more spot on Air Canada’s reputation.