Airline worker among six arrested in $22M airport gold heist.

Toronto Pearson International Airport

Six people have been arrested in connection with last year's multimillion-dollar gold heist at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, according to authorities in Canada and the US.

Police have also issued arrest warrants for three additional suspects, characterizing the crime as an "inside job." All nine individuals face more than 19 charges in relation to the incident.

On April 17, 2023, thieves stole an air cargo container containing over 22 million Canadian dollars' worth of gold bars and foreign currency from a secure storage facility using fraudulent paperwork. The stolen goods had arrived on an Air Canada flight from Zurich, Switzerland.

Authorities allege that at least two former Air Canada employees assisted in the theft. One suspect is currently in custody, while an arrest warrant has been issued for the other.

"We appreciate the diligent efforts of law enforcement in investigating this matter. As it is now a legal matter, we are unable to provide further comments. However, we can confirm that two of the suspects were former employees of Air Canada's cargo division. One had left the company prior to the arrests, and the other has been suspended," stated Peter Fitzpatrick, a spokesperson for Air Canada.

The investigation, known as "Project 24Karat," involved collaboration with the Pennsylvania division of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

According to ATF Special Agent Eric DeGree, a Canadian man arrested in Pennsylvania in September 2023, during a traffic stop, was identified as the driver of the truck used in the heist. The suspect, who was in the US illegally, fled on foot during the stop after firearms were discovered in his rental car.

"A court-authorized search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the firearms, which were intended to be smuggled into Canada," said DeGree, noting that the seizure prevented 65 firearms from being used in potential violent crimes.

Authorities allege that the organized crime group behind the heist planned to use the proceeds from selling the stolen gold to fund firearms trafficking into Canada.

"The stolen gold was likely melted down, and the profits were used to finance the purchase of illegal firearms. This has become a significant aspect of our investigation into firearms trafficking," explained Detective Sgt. Mike Mavity of Peel Regional Police.

Canadian and US officials continue to investigate, with only a portion of the stolen gold and cash recovered thus far. During a search in Ontario, police found five melted gold bangles valued at approximately $90,000.

"This heist is unprecedented in Canadian history and ranks among the largest in the world. It's a scenario straight out of a movie, but these criminals underestimated law enforcement," remarked Deputy Police Chief Nick Milinovich.

"I never imagined dealing with such a massive gold heist. It's like something from a Hollywood movie, but the criminals underestimated the police," added Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton, Ontario.