• Arsalan Chaudhary arrested in Toronto as part of investigation into a $20 million gold heist.
• Police believe the heist involved inside help from Air Canada employees.
• Investigation named "Project 24K" has led to multiple arrests, with two suspects still wanted.

Authorities have made significant strides in the investigation of Canada’s largest gold heist, arresting Arsalan Chaudhary at Toronto's Pearson International Airport as he arrived on a flight from Dubai. Charged with theft over $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy, this arrest marks a critical development following the theft of approximately $20 million worth of gold bars on April 17, 2023, according to ABC News and CBS News.

The gold heist involved the theft of over 400 kilograms of .9999 pure gold bars and an additional $2.5 million in foreign currency. The cargo was retrieved under false pretenses by a suspect using a fraudulent airway bill shortly after its arrival from Zurich, Switzerland. Law enforcement officials have indicated that this operation was facilitated by inside help from Air Canada employees, highlighting the organized nature of the crime, as described by India Times and CBS News.

The Peel Regional Police have launched "Project 24K," which has so far led to the arrest of Chaudhary and nine others, as they reportedly work to capture two more suspects, including Simran Preet Panesar, who is believed to be in India. A police spokesperson mentioned that they have issued an extradition request for him, underscoring the transnational implications of the investigation, according to CBS News and India Times.

Chaudhary's involvement in the theft appears to be substantial; authorities have described him as the "Top Dog" of the heist. Documented evidence indicates he played a significant role in both the planning and execution of the crime, including facilitating communications with other suspects through numerous messages. As part of the ongoing investigation, police raided his residence and seized over $154,000 in cash and other items related to the heist, according to ABC News and India Times.