Canada arrests alleged mastermind behind 6,600 gold bars heist

Core Insights - The theft involved gold bars valued at nearly US$15 million and was part of a larger investigation named "Project 24 Carat" [2] - Arsalan Chaudhary, a key suspect, was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport after arriving from Dubai [1] - The operation is believed to have been an "inside job" involving Air Canada employees and external accomplices [3] Group 1: Details of the Theft - The heist occurred on April 17, 2023, involving a shipment from Zurich, Switzerland, which also included approximately US$2.5 million in cash [3] - Investigators allege that Chaudhary played a central role in transporting the stolen gold bars, which have not yet been recovered [2] - Communications records indicate that on the day of the robbery, Chaudhary exchanged 772 phone calls or text messages with two other suspects [6] Group 2: Arrest and Evidence - Chaudhary has been charged with theft, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense [1] - During a raid on his residence, police found CA$154,000 in cash and plans to spend roughly CA$10 million (US$7.2 million) from the heist [5] - A WhatsApp message exchange the day after the heist indicates that Chaudhary was in communication with other suspects, expressing excitement about the theft [8]