The heist is said to be the largest in Chile’s history.
The robbers, dressed as airport employees, arrived some time before the 5 a.m. arrival of the armored truck containing cash destined for northern Chile.
Donning masks, the robbers then threatened the guards according to the Digital Journal portal. The security staff in the cargo terminal was unarmed, as required by Chile’s security regulations. As they fled in two vehicles, the robbers scattered spiked “caltrops” or metal devices designed to puncture tires across the road.
Given the size of the haul and the ease of the operation, police are investigating whether employees at Brink’s or the airport assisted the robbers.
In Sight Crime reports that the airport’s security chief has been fired and Defense Minister Jorge Burgos said that airport security measures will be modified, describing the heist as “an unfortunate and serious incident.”
