Durante King-McLean, the suspected driver in the 2023 robbery at Toronto’s Pearson airport, has admitted guilt in the U.S. to a charge involving illegal arms trafficking. It is alleged that this offense was linked to an attempt to purchase firearms with a portion of the $20 million in stolen gold.
Hailing from Brampton, Ontario, King-McLean has been detained in Pennsylvania since his interception by state troopers in September 2023. He recently finalized an agreement, confessing to a conspiracy to traffic firearms, a violation that could lead to a 15-year prison term or a $250,000 fine.
The plea deal is subject to judicial approval, with a hearing slated for May 14 at the U.S. District Court in Harrisburg. The timing for his sentencing remains uncertain.
Upon King-McLean’s apprehension, law enforcement discovered 65 firearms in his possession, suspected to be destined for Canada. Peel Regional Police assert that these weapons were likely acquired using funds from the gold heist at Pearson International Airport earlier that year.
According to Peel police and the Crown’s case draft against the robbery suspects, King-McLean is believed to have driven the white van containing over $20 million in gold and foreign currency from an Air Canada cargo facility.
In addition to the arms-trafficking charge, King-McLean is also facing theft and possession charges in Canada. Two other individuals linked to the heist, Archit Grover and Prasath Paramalingam, have been implicated in the firearms trafficking scheme by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Allegations from the Justice Department portray King-McLean as illegally entering the U.S., purchasing weapons in Florida with the intent to sell them in Canada. Paramalingam is accused of aiding King-McLean in entering the U.S., organizing finances for the operation, and arranging accommodations in Florida.
Grover is accused of being an accessory to the firearms trafficking scheme. The possibility of King-McLean’s extradition to Canada for trial remains uncertain, and inquiries regarding this matter have been directed to the federal government.
Typically, the federal government refrains from commenting on extradition proceedings while they are ongoing.