Charges against man accused of being part of Toronto Pearson gold heist dropped

A gold heist recently occurred at Toronto Pearson International Airport -- but it's not the first time this type of theft happened on its grounds. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

Charges against a Georgetown man that were laid in connection with a 2023 gold heist at Toronto Pearson Airport have been dropped.

The Ontario Ministry of Attorney General said the charges against Ammad Chaudhary were dropped on April 9 at the Brampton Superior Court of Justice.

It is unknown why they were withdrawn.

Chaudhary was one of nine individuals believed to be behind the April 17, 2023, heist of $20 million worth of gold bars at Pearson’s Air Canada cargo facility.

Police allege one suspect came into possession of the stolen gold and $2.5 million in bank notes after presenting Air Canada personnel with a fraudulent airway bill.

Investigators have said they believe the suspects melted the stolen gold and sold it to fund illegal activities, including the purchase of illegal firearms.

With files from The Canadian Press