Police in Papua New Guinea are investigating what may be one of the largest robberies in the nation’s history, after armed men ambushed a security convoy in Port Moresby and escaped with 25 gold bars and 1 million kina (US$315,000) in cash.
Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed a major investigation is underway following the early‑morning hold‑up on Wednesday. Two private security vehicles transporting gold and cash were intercepted by several unknown vehicles around 4:30am.
According to police, the stolen haul included 20 gold bars from the Porgera Gold Mine in Enga Province, operated by New Porgera Limited, and five bars belonging to Lae‑based exporter Golden Valley Enterprise Limited. Officers also reported that a pump‑action shotgun and a carbine were taken from the security crew.
The exact weight and purity of the gold remain unclear, but the value is likely enormous. A standard 1kg gold bar sells for about US$200,000, while a central‑bank‑style 12.4kg brick is worth more than US$2 million. A senior police source described the theft as one of PNG’s biggest robberies ever, likely worth millions of dollars.
A timeline provided to investigators shows the convoy left its base shortly after 4:30am, heading toward Port Moresby’s International Airport via the Poreporena Freeway. As the vehicles approached a roundabout, they encountered what appeared to be a staged roadblock.
When the lead driver stepped out to ask for passage, he was held at gunpoint. Three more vehicles then boxed in the convoy. Around 10 armed men, some carrying military‑style rifles, forced the guards out of both vehicles before fleeing with the gold, cash and firearms.
No shots were fired and no injuries were reported. Police are now working to identify the attackers, recover the stolen gold and determine whether the operation involved inside assistance.
+ There are no comments
Add yours