A brazen daylight robbery in Cusco, Peru, left an entrepreneur stripped of 3.9 million soles, $720,000 USD, and 60 kilograms of gold on Tuesday evening, according to reports from local authorities.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. On the Vía de Evitamiento, near the Horacio Zeballos settlement in the San Sebastián district, as the businessman was traveling by vehicle. Peruvian police report that the victim, who operates businesses in pharmaceuticals, import/export, and mining, had recently withdrawn the substantial sum from a BCP bank branch.
According to General PNP Virgilio Velásquez, head of the Cusco Regional Police, the stolen gold comprised 45 kilograms of pure gold and 15 kilograms of gold amalgam. The attack was carried out by a group of between 10 and 12 individuals traveling in two vehicles. Authorities believe the perpetrators originated from the regions of Puno, Puerto Maldonado, and Ica, and had been surveilling the victim prior to the assault.
The robbery resulted in two bystanders sustaining gunshot wounds, though their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Police swiftly responded to the scene and have apprehended three suspects believed to be involved in the crime, as confirmed by multiple sources.
Authorities are currently investigating the origin of the funds and the gold, with a particular focus on potential links to illicit mining activities. The investigation is ongoing, and police have not released further details regarding the identities of the detained suspects or the specific charges they will face.
The incident has prompted increased security measures in the Cusco region, particularly along major transportation routes. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and authorities work to recover the stolen assets.
