Heavily armed bandits rob Corentyne money changer of GYD$22 million in cash, jewellery

Last Updated on Monday, 12 December 2016, 21:43 by Denis Chabrol

Several bandits, armed with assault rifles and shotguns, early Monday morning invaded the home of a money changer and carted of GYD$20.5 million in Guyanese and other currencies, police said.

Dressed in American camouflage suits, five of the 15 bandits entered the house through window from a shed leading to the window at 93 Albert Street, 79 Village Corentyne at about 1:45 AM. Sources said they removed a grill before breaking the window.

Investigators were told the robbers ordered 48-year old Devendra Churaman to lie on the ground while they demanded cash and jewellery.

Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts said the men robbed Churaman of Guyana, United States and Suriname dollars with a total value of GYD$20.5 million as well about GYD$2 million in jewellery.

Churaman was not injured.

Watts said seven persons including a female, who is connected to one of the suspects, have been arrested. Searches of their homes, he said, have been carried out on their premises but no evidence has been found.

The Commander said the suspects from Canje, New Amsterdam and Corriverton, who range from 22 to 35 years, will be placed on identification parades and their hands and clothing would be tested for gun powder residue.

Watts said police have since recovered eight 7.62 X 39 spent shells, one live 7.62 X 39 live round, one live 12 gauge cartridge and two spent 12 gauge cartridge casings- an indication that AK-47 assault rifles were  fired by the robbers.

Police were told that the bandits fled the scene on foot and  might have eventually boarded a boat and motor vehicle.

During the robbery, sources said about 10 of the men took up strategic positions on the road to engage police had they responded to a report of a robbery in progress.