Robbery, abduction: Brazilian miner forced to transfer $1.2M to kidnapers via digital payment system

…says no raw gold stolen, police misunderstood him

Dionei Faribas De Brito, one of the victims in Saturday’s alleged armed robbery and abduction at Bushmouth Marudi Backdam, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) is now claiming his initial statements to the police were misunderstood. De Brito revealed that during the encounter with the suspects, he was coerced into transferring 30,000 reais (equivalent to Gy $1.2 million) to a Brazilian Pix account, a real-time digital payment system. This transfer, he explained, was made under duress after the suspects demanded gold, which he did not have at the time. Instead, they insisted on a hefty payment, initially demanding one million reais.

The funds have since been recovered by Brazilian law enforcement officials. De Brito explained that he feared for his life during the encounter and complied with the suspects’ demands for the transfer, which took place before he and other victims were allowed to leave.
The incident, which occurred around 10:30h on Saturday at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) checkpoint at Bush Mouth, also involved three other victims, all of whom are employed in the natural resources and mines sector. Romain Simon, 39, a Natural Resources Officer, reported being robbed of a Glock 17 pistol with a fully loaded magazine, along with a Mavado watch valued at $140,000. Victor Adams, 34, another Natural Resources Officer, was similarly robbed of a Glock 17 pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, community mines ranger, Karl Antone, 30, lost $100,000.
Investigations revealed that two of the three vehicles allegedly used by the suspects were registered in Brazil, bearing Brazilian license plates. Police on Monday said that authorities in Guyana have since extended their investigations, partnering with the Federal Police in Brazil to pursue leads and determine the full extent of the crime’s cross-border elements.
Meanwhile, the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) has expressed concern over the armed robbery.
“Wapichan people not engaged in mining activities were also victims of robbery and assault. We never anticipated such crimes occurring so close to our peaceful communities, and this incident has left our residents, including children, deeply traumatized. The SRDC has consistently voiced concerns about the effects of mining in the Marudi Mountains on Wapichan communities and lands. We believe that the escalation of such criminal activities is linked to the increase in mining operations,” a statement from the group said.