In a startling revelation, the Punjab Taxation Department has uncovered a staggering transaction involving 190 kilograms of gold in Amritsar, raising serious questions about tax evasion and potential links to an international heist. The gold, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 140 crore, was allegedly purchased without payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST), totaling around Rs 4.2 crore.
The investigation took a dramatic turn when officials hinted at a possible Canadian connection. Sources close to the probe disclosed that suspicions arose regarding the origin of this substantial quantity of gold, suggesting a potential link to the infamous Pearson Airport gold heist in Toronto. In April 2023, an audacious theft saw 6,600 gold bars valued at $20 million vanish from Air Canada’s cargo facility, marking it as Canada’s largest-ever gold theft.
Canadian authorities, in recent updates, indicated that the stolen gold might have been smuggled out of the country via sea routes, eventually finding its way to destinations like India and Dubai. The ongoing investigation has already led to several arrests in Canada, with individuals of Indian descent also coming under scrutiny.
Sources within the Punjab Taxation Department’s intelligence wing disclosed that their attention was drawn to an Amritsar-based wholesaler engaged in a suspiciously large-scale gold purchase. Amritsar, renowned as a hub for wholesale gold trade, supplies gold to jewelry manufacturers across North India, underscoring its pivotal role in the region’s precious metals market.
“The wholesaler in question failed to produce the necessary documentation, raising significant suspicions of potential smuggling activities. We are exploring the possibility that the gold arrived in multiple shipments,” revealed a senior taxation officer familiar with the case.
The intricate web of international intrigue and financial malpractice surrounding this case continues to unfold, captivating both law enforcement and the public alike. As authorities delve deeper into the origins of the seized gold, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on unraveling the complex trail that stretches from the bustling streets of Amritsar to the distant shores of Canada.
For now, as investigators pore over evidence and follow leads, the full extent of this high-stakes puzzle remains to be seen, promising further revelations in the days to come.
