A Chinese tycoon’s luxury apartment in Kuala Lumpur was allegedly stormed by five masked men armed with machetes, who restrained everyone inside before escaping with cash, luxury watches and jewellery worth an estimated RM2.91 million (about S$900,000).
The robbery reportedly took place between 2pm and 3pm on Sep. 7 at a residential unit in Tower D of Pavilion Embassy, a high-end condominium development along Jalan Ampang.
Police have confirmed the incident and are investigating the case under Sections 395 and 397 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, which cover gang robbery involving weapons.
Five Armed Men Allegedly Stormed Apartment
According to preliminary police investigations, five unidentified men wearing masks entered the apartment while several people were inside.
Those present reportedly included the Chinese tycoon’s family members, private security personnel, a driver and a chef.
The suspects were allegedly armed with weapons including machetes and quickly took control of the occupants.
Fearing that they would be injured, the victims reportedly did not resist. They were subsequently restrained with cable ties, with some also having their mouths covered with adhesive tape.
The suspects then allegedly moved through several rooms in the apartment, searching for valuables before fleeing with a large amount of cash and luxury items.
Police said the victims did not suffer serious injuries during the incident.
RM1.8m Richard Mille Watch Among Loot
The stolen property reportedly included RM210,000 in cash and a jade item worth approximately RM50,000.
Two high-value watches were also allegedly taken.
One was a Patek Philippe 7118 valued at around RM650,000, while another was a Richard Mille Red Lips watch reportedly worth approximately RM1.8 million.
The suspects also allegedly stole two platinum necklaces worth a combined RM200,000 and a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet valued at around RM270,000.
The total value of the stolen property was estimated at approximately RM2.91 million.
The victims’ passports were also reportedly taken during the robbery.
- MYR 210,000: ~SGD 63,636
- Jadeite gemstone (approx. MYR 50,000): ~SGD 15,152
- Patek Philippe Model 7118 luxury watch (approx. MYR 650,000): ~SGD 196,970
- Richard Mille Red Lips luxury watch (approx. MYR 1,800,000): ~SGD 545,455
- Two white gold necklaces (approx. MYR 200,000): ~SGD 60,606
- Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet (approx. MYR 270,000): ~SGD 81,818
Total Estimated Value: ~SGD 963,636 (approx. MYR 3,180,000)
Private Guard Was First Confronted
The case was reported by the tycoon’s 28-year-old private security guard and driver, identified as Du Kai in a translated name.
He reportedly arrived in Kuala Lumpur from China on Sep. 4 and had been staying at his employer’s apartment.
On the day of the robbery, Du was in the toilet when he suddenly heard a dog barking inside the unit.
He reportedly stepped out to investigate, only to encounter one of the masked suspects.
The man allegedly held a machete against Du’s neck and ordered him to kneel before tying his hands with a cable tie.
Du was then taken to another room, where he discovered that other people in the apartment had also been restrained.
Victims Managed To Free Themselves
According to Du’s account, the suspects later loosened the restraints on some of the occupants and ordered them to lie face down.
Their hands were then allegedly tied behind their backs, while their legs were also restrained. Some victims had their mouths covered with tape.
About 10 minutes later, one of the suspects allegedly took Du back into the toilet and locked him inside before switching off the light.
Du remained there for around another 10 minutes before hearing a door close outside.
Believing the robbers had left, he managed to open the toilet door and escape.
He then discovered that several of the other victims were still lying on the floor with their hands and legs tied.
Du made his way to the tycoon’s bedroom, where he reportedly found the homeowner and another person still restrained.
The victims eventually worked together to free themselves, using a pair of scissors to cut through the cable ties.
Police Launch Manhunt For Suspects
Police have since launched an investigation to identify and locate the five suspects.
The case is being treated as a serious armed robbery given the number of suspects involved, the use of weapons and the high value of the property allegedly stolen.
Investigators are expected to examine CCTV footage and other evidence from the condominium as they work to establish how the suspects entered the residence and whether they had prior knowledge of the occupants or valuables inside.
Although no one suffered serious physical injuries, the incident left several people restrained inside their own home while the suspects searched the apartment and made off with millions of ringgit worth of valuables.