Charges dropped against Mississauga jeweller accused in $24-million Pearson gold heist - Toronto Star

Virtually all of the loot remains unaccounted for after the brazen gold-and-cash theft at Toronto's Pearson International Airport on April 17, 2023.

Ali Raza a jeweller from Mississauga had all charges against him, related to the 2023 Pearson Gold Heist, dropped in a court hearing Wednesday. Pictured with council Brij Mohan.

Mississauga jeweller Ali Raza blinked away tears but said he was happy outside the Brampton courthouse on Wednesday, minutes after hearing he is no longer facing a charge of receiving stolen gold from the largest gold heist in Canadian history.

He had been charged with knowingly receiving large amounts of gold stolen in a massive heist at Toronto’s Pearson airport on April 17, 2023..

“Mr. Ali’s life was destroyed,” his lawyer Brij Mohan said, standing close to his client. “His family life was destroyed. His business was destroyed.”

“I am innocent,” Ali, 37, said, his eyes watering. “I am happy.”

In a brief court hearing Wednesday, Crown attorney Jelena Vlacic said they made the decision to stop the proceedings against Ali Raza based on new evidence.

Vlacic said that evidence is covered under a publication ban and cannot be reported at this time.

The charges against Raza and eight others came after a brazen $24-million gold-and-cash theft at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.

Virtually all of the loot remains unaccounted for.

Peel police announced a year after the heist that Raza, then 37, had been arrested and was charged with possession of property obtained by crime. 

Ali Raza, a jeweller from Mississauga had all charges against him, related to the 2023 Pearson Gold Heist, dropped in a court hearing Wednesday.

Raza’s lawyer, Brij Mohan, noted that his client has always maintained his innocence and even gave a media interview after the massive theft.

The remaining accused are set to go on trial at the end of the month.