Armed bandits invade, rob Chinese businessman of $3.5M in cash, other items

A Chinese family of three was on Thursday relieved of millions of dollars in cash, a large quantity of phone cards, and other items by five masked men, who invaded their Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) property.
Based on reports received, four of the five men were wearing masks while the other was armed with a handgun. The incident occurred around 01:45h.
Guyana Times understands that the 39-year-old businessman, his 37-year-old wife, and another family member were asleep when the suspects started banging on their front door.
Awakened by the loud noise, the three Chinese nationals refused to open the door. It was then the victims discovered that the suspects gained entry through a bedroom window.
Upon entry, the perpetrators held the family at gunpoint while demanding the handing over of the businessman’s mobile phone estimated at $200,000.
In fear, the Chinese businessman gathered the valuables while two of the masked men entered another room in the house.
The family told Police that the men opened one of the drawers, and took a large quantity of Digicel and GTT phone cards. According to the family, the phone cards were valued at about $1 million.
The bandits also managed to relieve the family of another $3.5 million in cash that was hidden inside a bucket underneath a desk.
After obtaining the cellular phone, phone cards, and cash, the men took the keys to the family’s bus and made good their escape. The Police were summoned and an investigation was launched.
Up to press time on Thursday, the bus had not been located. (G-9)