Armed men rob Chinese businessmen in Lethem, arrested in Brazil

Three men, armed with a submachine gun and handguns, robbed a Chinese businessman, Wei Gao on Sunday of cellphones and cash.

Police Headquarters reported that Gao, 43, was at his General Store in Lethem, Region Nine at about 14:15 hrs when the three men entered the premises, held him at gunpoint, and demanded money.

Those men were reportedly speaking in Portuguese. They were also dressed in dark clothing.

They robbed the businessman of 21 new Xiaomi cellphones worth $1.6 million, and $500,000 cash.

After robbing the businessman, the suspects reportedly escaped, heading towards Tabatinga. Regional Police Commander, Raphael Rose and a team of Officers went to the scene and later went in search of the suspects.

The Police team eventually spotted the men and chased after them near the Guyana/ Brazil border.

“On seeing the Police vehicle, the three suspects discharged several rounds at the Police vehicle. The Police returned fire but the suspects managed to elude them. The Police vehicle was hit four times but no one was injured,” Police Headquarters said in a statement.

Subsequently, a Joint Services team was formed and the three suspects were arrested and are in custody in Brazil. Investigations continue.