Nine people facing charges over ‘largest gold heist in Canadian history’

Peel Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich speaks to the media at a news conference regarding an investigation into the theft of gold from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada (Arlyn McAdorey/The Canadian Press via AP)

Nine people are facing charges over what authorities are calling the biggest gold theft in Canadian history from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport a year ago.

Peel Regional Police said that 6,600 gold bars worth more than 20 million Canadian dollars (£11.6 million) and 2.5 million (£1.4 million) in foreign currencies were stolen and the gold was melted down and used to purchase illegal firearms.