Crown drops charge against Toronto man accused in Pearson airport gold heist

Ali Raza, 40, of Toronto, was arrested and charged in April 2024 with possession of property obtained by crime for his alleged role in the heist.

The Crown withdrew the charge Wednesday, saying the case against Raza rested on circumstantial evidence.

Standing outside the Brampton Courthouse, Raza said he was happy with the outcome.

"I am innocent," he said. "The feeling is good."

Charges dropped against man accused of involvement in Pearson gold heist

Raza spoke little and directed most questions to one of his lawyers, Brij Mohan.

"I'm glad that his ordeal is over now, after almost two years," Mohan said. "Justice prevailed today."

Mohan said the allegations "ruined" Raza's life and defamed him within the jewelry community in Canada.

It will take years to "regain his integrity," he said, noting that Raza "suffered a huge business loss."