Peel Regional Police is planning to provide an update on the high-profile gold heist that took place at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year. The update is set to be livestreamed on globalnews.ca at 8:30 a.m. and will include details about arrests made in connection with the theft of $20 million worth of gold and other high-value items from the airport. The heist made headlines internationally when it was first reported on April 20, 2023, three days after it occurred.
Peel Regional Police Insp. Stephen Duivesteyn initially commented on the theft, stating that the precious cargo was removed from a holding facility at Pearson International Airport by illegal means. He mentioned that authorities were investigating all angles of the theft but did not provide specific details about how it occurred or any potential suspects. The airline that transported the cargo, the destination of the shipment, and the origin of the plane were also not disclosed at the time. The investigation was still in its early stages, and more information was expected to be revealed as the case progressed.
Details of the incident emerged in a lawsuit filed by Brink’s Inc. against Air Canada, although the claims have not been tested in court. According to court filings, an unidentified individual gained access to the airline’s cargo warehouse on April 17 and presented a fraudulent waybill to staff, resulting in the theft of 400 kilograms of gold and nearly US$2 million in cash. The cargo was delivered to Pearson International Airport just before 4 p.m. on April 17, deposited at an on-site Air Canada warehouse at 5:50 p.m., and then taken by the thief around 40 minutes later.
In response to the breach of contract, Brink’s is seeking approximately $23 million in damages, as well as special damages and costs. Air Canada declined to comment on the matter, citing the ongoing court proceedings. The incident raised concerns about security protocols and the vulnerability of high-value cargo at major airports. The investigation into the gold heist at Pearson International Airport has been ongoing for several months, and authorities are continuing their efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the theft. The upcoming update from Peel Regional Police is expected to shed more light on the arrests and developments in the case.
