Motorcycle used in multi-million robbery in front Republic Bank recovered; six arrested

Swift action by police in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has led to the recovery of a motorcycle that was reportedly used as the mode of escape by a lone bandit who robbed businesswoman Nalini Mangali in front of Republic Bank in Rose Hall on Monday.

The News Room has confirmed that the motorcycle was found abandoned in a trench at Topoo, Albion, Corentyne, Berbice Monday night. It was without a license plate but an ID card was found inside the seat.

Police Commander Boodnarine Persaud has confirmed that six persons are presently in custody assisting with investigations. The suspects are from Nigg, New Amsterdam and Upper Corentyne.

The News Room understands that based on surveillance footage, sleuths observed a male with the said motorcycle parked in front of a business place on the day of the robbery.

It was later observed that the gunman who robbed the businesswoman made his way to the same motorcycle and joined his accomplice as they escaped.

The News Room also understands that the suspects in custody were arrested based on their previous records of committing armed robberies.

Mangali, 43, of Albion, Corentyne, Berbice had left with a clerk from their business place – Permaul’s Trading and Distribution – and a bag containing approximately $18.5 million in cash to be deposited at Republic Bank Rose Hall branch.

Upon their arrival in a car, a man armed with a gun approached the car and pushed the clerk who was in the back seat, on the floor. He grabbed the bag containing the cash that was on the backseat and escaped.

No injuries were reported but the businesswoman and her staff were left in a traumatised state.