One of the victims from the Deep South Rupununi robbery and abduction which occurred over the weekend has withdrawn claims that $14 million worth of raw gold was stolen during the ordeal.
The development comes hours after it was reported that the gold was among several items stolen during the crime.
The News Room understands that the victim has raised with authorities that the gold, which was reported stolen by a rank at the scene, was not taken.
Marudi abduction & robbery: Victims were robbed of $14M worth of raw gold, cash
In fact, he said he was robbed of $892,000 cash and was forced to send 30,000 reis, which is equivalent to $1.2 million to a Brazilian account to the suspects.
Other items stolen during the ordeal which occurred at about 10:15 hrs at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Bush Mouth substation in Marudi, Region Nine are two black glock 17 pistols, two yellow metal rings and a Mavado watch valued $140,000.
In a statement, Police said the crime was allegedly carried out by unidentifiable men, all wearing masks and carrying firearms. The victims were five Guyanese and four Brazilians.
Those victims are: Victor Adams, a 34-year-old Natural Resources Officer of Pattersen Drive, Georgetown; Romain Simon, a 39-year-old Natural Resource Officer of Zeelugt; Christopher Charles, a 17-year-old Barber of Lethem Central, Rupununi; Curtis Charles, a 35-year-old Lieutenant of the Guyana Defence Force and resident of the Diamond Housing Scheme; Karl Antone, a 30-year-old Community Mines Ranger of Aishalton Village, South Rupununi; Benedict John, a 28-year-old Caretaker of Karaudanau Village, South Rupununi; Dionei Farias De Brito, a 29 years General Manager of Boa Vista, Brazil; and Eduardo Moreira Freitas, a 22-year-old operator of Boa Vista Brazil.
Reports are that the victims were heading to Marudi Backdam but stopped at the GGMC gate to check-in.
Information reaching the News Room revealed that they were approached by the suspects, who were dressed in camouflage clothing along with bulletproof vests.
The victims were ordered to exit the two pickups they were in and they were placed to lay on the ground, face down.
The suspects then began to discharge rounds and proceed to relieve them of their valuables.
After committing the crime, the suspects ordered the victims to re-enter their vehicles and held them hostage. They proceeded with them to Baishazon Village, South Rupununi.
Upon arrival at the village, the suspects ordered the victims to accompany them by foot across an illegal crossing into Brazil then ordered them to run back into Guyana.
A Joint Services were deployed to the area as the investigation continues and in an effort to locate the suspects. No arrest has yet been made.
