In a significant breakthrough, Canadian law enforcement authorities have apprehended suspects and issued nine warrants relating to the nation’s most substantial gold theft, as reported by the BBC on Wednesday.
The heist, which occurred at Toronto Pearson Airport in April 2023, saw the disappearance of over 6,500 gold bars valued at C$20 million (£11.6 million), alongside millions in cash.
According to reports, the alleged driver was arrested in the United States while in possession of numerous firearms believed to be destined for use in Canada.
Authorities described the operation as reminiscent of a “Netflix-series” style heist, orchestrated by a highly organized criminal syndicate.
The joint operation, codenamed Project 24K, conducted over the course of a year by the Canadian Peel Regional Police and the US Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau, culminated in the recent arrests and warrants, coinciding precisely one year after the audacious gold theft, which ranks as the sixth largest globally.
The investigation involved extensive measures, including numerous search warrants and interviews.
To date, law enforcement has recovered C$90,000 worth of pure gold, fashioned into six crudely made bracelets. Additionally, authorities seized smelting equipment, casts, molds, and C$430,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from gold sales.
Last September, Pennsylvania police detained an Ontario man, Durante King-McClean, 25, who was found to be in the US illegally and allegedly involved with the criminal group. Firearms, including some with obliterated serial numbers and others converted into fully automatic weapons, were discovered in his possession, reportedly intended for importation into Canada.
Eric Degree, a special agent of the ATF in Philadelphia, highlighted the significance of the firearms seized, stating, “This isn’t just about a gold heist, this is about how gold becomes guns,” echoing the sentiments of Nando Iannicca, chair of the Peel Police Services Board.
The successful conclusion of this investigation marks a significant milestone in combating organized crime and upholding the rule of law in Canada.
