Malaysian ambassador to Chile, family robbed and threatened in Santiago residence

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SANTIAGO: The Malaysian ambassador to Chile Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya and family were robbed and threatened by a group of five men at his residence in Las Flores Avenue, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile.

According to local media reports from Santiago, Chile’s capital the incident took place at 11.15pm on Sunday (11.15am Monday Malaysian time).

The five men, believed to be locals, broke into the ambassador’s home and tied up the family.

The diplomat and his family were handcuffed and threatened during the assault.

The group of five delinquents fled with  loot valued at Chilean 39 million pesos.

“They used neckties and clothes to tie my feet and hands of my children, and it was very traumatic, because I felt that

they could have killed me,” the diplomat said.

The official also reported that they threatened to cut off his wife’s ears and kill his children if he did not cooperate.

Police Captain John Green said  the ambassador was hit on the head “with the handle of a white weapon on the front and the lower lip.”

Chilean authorities are investigating the incident and have collected fingerprints and CCTV footage from the house.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra yesterday confirmed reports that robbers entered the official residence of the Malaysian ambassador on Monday and escaped with money, jewellery and other valuables.

It said it viewed the attack on one of its envoys with utmost concern.

“As frontliners of Malaysia’s presence abroad, the security of officers and staff members are of paramount importance,” it said.

Wisma Putra said Santiago police had launched an investigation and taken statements as well as gathered evidence.

“The ministry will be pursuing this matter with the relevant authorities in Chile until investigations conclude,” it said. — Bernama-NNN-Agencies