Papua New Guinea Police Investigate Major Heist of Gold Bars and Cash in Port Moresby

Police in Papua New Guinea have launched a major investigation into one of the largest armed robberies in the country's history after a gang intercepted a private security convoy in Port Moresby, stealing 25 gold bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.

The early morning heist targeted two cash-in-transit vehicles carrying bullion and cash. Along with the 25 gold bars, the perpetrators made off with one million kina ($315,000) in cash, as well as a pump-action shotgun and a carbine belonging to the security guards. Senior police officials indicated that while the exact weight and purity of the gold remain unconfirmed, the overall stolen haul is likely worth millions of dollars.

Staged Roadblock Intercepts Airport Convoy

According to a timeline provided to investigators, the two security vehicles departed their base shortly after 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, travelling along the Poreporena Freeway toward Papua New Guinea's International Airport. As the convoy approached a roundabout, it encountered what appeared to be a staged roadblock.

When the driver of the lead vehicle opened his door to request passage, he was held at gunpoint. Three additional vehicles then pulled up behind the convoy, blocking any potential escape route. Nearly ten armed assailants, some reportedly carrying military-style rifles, forced the security crews out of both vehicles. No shots were fired during the incident, and no injuries were reported.

Origin of Stolen Bullion and Transport Protocol Failures

Reports indicate that 20 of the stolen gold bars originated from the Porgera Gold Mine in Enga province, operated by New Porgera Limited. The remaining five gold bars belonged to Golden Valley Enterprise Limited, a gold buying and exporting firm based in Lae.

Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed that a major inquiry is underway and pointed out notable deficiencies in how the transport operation was conducted. Commissioner Manning highlighted that private security operators had failed to notify the police about the high-value movement prior to setting out.

Police sources have raised further concerns regarding security protocols, specifically how alarm and emergency response procedures were handled during the ambush. An investigative team is currently interviewing witnesses, private security personnel, and company workers, with at least four individuals being questioned as authorities attempt to identify the culprits and locate the stolen assets.

Historical Comparison to Notorious 2007 Heist

Deputy Commissioner of Specialist Operations Donald Yamasombi, who is leading the investigation, described the robbery as one of the most significant since the era of infamous criminal William Kapris.

In 2007, Kapris was linked to an armed raid on a Port Moresby refining operation that yielded gold bars worth more than K2 million ($630,000) and K78,000 ($25,000) in cash. Kapris was eventually shot and killed by police in 2013 following an extended period on the run after escaping from the Bomana maximum-security prison.