Large sums of gold and other valuables went missing from Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada, on Friday, in what has emerged as one of North America’s largest crimes in recent years. According to Canadian officials, more than $14.8 million in gold and other valuables were stolen on Monday, April 17.
The “high-value” aircraft container was reportedly taken to a cargo holding facility after arriving at the airport in the evening. The heist, according to the authorities, took place at this precise cargo holding facility.
According to the BBC, the theft could be one of the largest in Canadian history. Other large-scale heists include the 2011 and 2012 Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, in which 3,000 tonnes of syrup worth $18.7 million was stolen from a storage facility in Quebec.
Peel Regional Police Inspector Stephen Duivesteyn stated that his team is looking into “all avenues” and that the occurrence was “isolated” and “rare.”
He stated that the aircraft container was around 5 square feet (.46 square meters) in size. Earlier on Thursday, the Toronto Sun claimed that authorities suspected organized crime gangs were involved. The Canadian police are currently probing the massive gold robbery that has stunned many.
According to initial accounts in the Canadian media, police believe it was an act of organized crime. The theft has been described as “very rare” by police, who believe it is an isolated crime that poses no threat to public safety. Police have no idea where the gold went or if it is still in Canada.
