Gunmen escape with over $44M in gold, cash after robbing 2 mining camps

Masked gunmen escaped with over $44 million in gold, cash, vehicles, and other valuables after robbing two Brazilian gold miners in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Police said that the incident occurred between 10:00h and 17:30h on Monday at Sewanda Backdam, Region Seven.
According to preliminary investigations, the victims, aged 50 and 44, operate separate mining camps located about 200 metres apart.
Investigators said that four masked men, allegedly armed with firearms, entered the mining operation of the 44-year-old miner while he and his workers were engaged in mining activities. The suspects reportedly held the miner and his workers at gunpoint and ordered that the wash-down process be completed.
After the wash-down, the suspects allegedly robbed the miner of 15 ounces of raw gold, $150,000 and a red all-terrain vehicle (ATV), with the total value of the items estimated at $15.4 million.
The armed men then reportedly moved to the second mining operation, where they confronted the 50-year-old miner and his workers. Police said the suspects again held those present at gunpoint and demanded that the wash-down process also be carried out.
Following the process, the suspects allegedly escaped with 30 ounces of raw gold, a 20-pennyweight gold chain, a 20-pennyweight gold band, a six-pennyweight gold ring, a red ATV motorcycle and $300,000. The stolen items were valued at approximately $29.265 million.
Police said the suspects also took a quantity of clothing, groceries and internet equipment before fleeing the area.
During the robbery, the 50-year-old miner was allegedly assaulted and sustained injuries.
The two stolen ATVs were later recovered, abandoned near the Puruni River.
Police have launched an investigation.