PTC News Desk: Canadian authorities have officially asked India to extradite Simran Preet Panesar, the main suspect in the country’s biggest-ever gold theft, valued at more than $20 million.

Panesar, 33, is a former Air Canada worker from Brampton. Police say he helped plan the April 2023 robbery at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where nearly 400 kg of pure gold (about 6,600 bars) and $2.5 million in foreign currency disappeared. Investigators believe he used his insider knowledge to redirect the shipment and then fled to India, leading to a nationwide arrest warrant in Canada and a formal extradition request.

The theft — part of an operation called Project 24K — involved gold flown in from Zurich and stored in a secure airport area before being reported missing the next day. Officials called it a well-planned crime involving both airport staff and outside partners. So far, ten people have been arrested and charged with over 21 offences, but most of the stolen gold has not been found.

Panesar faces charges including Theft Over $5,000 and Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence. Police say his access as an airline employee made it possible for him to identify and move the valuable cargo. They have urged him to get legal advice and surrender, warning that more arrests could follow.

The extradition request now becomes a test of cooperation between India and Canada. Indian authorities will review it under the two nations’ legal agreements before deciding whether to hand Panesar over.

The heist took place on April 17, 2023, when a suspect drove into Air Canada’s cargo facility in a five-tonne truck and took the shipment. Earlier this year, police arrested a 43-year-old man connected to the case after he landed in Canada from Dubai. Authorities are still searching for Panesar, who is accused of abusing his position and access to commit the crime.