Malaysian ambassador and family robbed in Chile

SANTIAGO – Malaysian Ambassador to Chile Dr. Mohamad Rameez Yahaya and family have been robbed and threatened by a group of five men at his residence in at Las Flores Avenue, Las Condes, Chile.

The incident took place at 11.15pm on Sunday (11.15am Monday Malaysian time).

After breaking into the house, the robbers reportedly tied up the ambassador, his wife, and their five children. They allegedly threatened to kill Yahaya’s five children and cut off his wife’s ears.

The group of five delinquents managed to flee with cash and valuables worth 39 million Chilean pesos.

Dr. Yahaya later told the local media that he was beaten on the head before his hands were tied.

“In addition to asking for money, they also took all the jewellery belonging to my wife and kids.

“They said if I refused they would kill my children,” he was quoted as saying.

Though traumatized, the Malaysian envoy said he was grateful that his family was safe.

Police Captain John Green said that the ambassador was hit in his 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.