Canada has formally requested India to extradite Simran Preet Panesar, a central figure in the audacious $20 million gold heist that occurred at Toronto Pearson International Airport in April 2023. Panesar, a former Air Canada employee, is accused of playing a pivotal 'insider role' by utilizing his access to airline systems to identify and facilitate the diversion of a high-value shipment. The theft involved approximately 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold bars, valued at over CAD 20 million (approximately USD 15 million or INR 1,660 crore), along with CAD 2.5 million in foreign currency. The extradition request from Canada to India is a significant development in the 'Project 24K' investigation, which Peel Regional Police describe as the largest gold theft in Canadian history. Panesar, 33, is believed to be residing in India, having been previously traced to a rented accommodation on the outskirts of Chandigarh or Mohali. This formal request follows the recent arrest of another key suspect, Arsalan Chaudhary, 43, who was taken into custody at Toronto Pearson International Airport on January 12, 2026, after arriving from Dubai. Chaudhary faces charges including theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, for his alleged role in planning and handling the stolen gold. So far, ten individuals have been charged or are wanted in connection with the heist, though the bulk of the stolen gold remains unrecovered, believed to have been melted down and sold in international markets, potentially India or Dubai. India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also been actively investigating Panesar, conducting searches and filing a case related to alleged money laundering. The ED claims to have evidence of over Rs 8.5 crore received by Panesar via hawala channels post-heist, with funds purportedly routed through the music industry for his wife's film production. The case highlights ongoing international cooperation in tackling sophisticated cross-border criminal activities.