A security officer entrusted with safeguarding a popular entertainment venue in the capital has instead become the prime suspect in a daring early morning heist that stripped the establishment of over $13 million. The brazen robbery, which unfolded at the Fantasy Gaming Lounge within the Giftland Mall compound, has left law enforcement scrambling to locate the fugitive guard, who vanished without a trace after allegedly orchestrating the theft while on duty.
According to police investigations, the incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, when the gaming lounge was closed to patrons. At the time, two employees—a 21-year-old male supervisor and a 27-year-old female floor supervisor — were carrying out routine cleaning duties in the gaming area. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Rakameem Benowen Nicholas, was employed by Castle Security and assigned to protect the premises. Instead, he reportedly used his service-issued 9mm pistol to execute the robbery.
The sequence of events began when the male supervisor stepped away from the cashier’s booth to assist his colleague. Seizing the opportunity, Nicholas allegedly confronted the pair, brandishing the firearm and firing a single shot into the air to assert control. He then demanded access to the cashier’s section, compelling the supervisor to unlock the electronically secured door. Once inside, both employees were forced into the cashier’s room, where Nicholas is said to have ordered the supervisor to open the vault. The cash — amounting to $13.1 million and reportedly belonging to businesswoman Sylvia Thomas—was hastily packed into a garbage receptacle.
With the loot in hand, the suspect exited the building and was captured on surveillance footage walking along the Giftland access road. He was later seen turning west onto the Railway Embankment, where he entered a waiting vehicle bearing registration number PZZ 5690. The car then sped off in a westerly direction, effectively aiding his escape.
Police investigators who processed the scene recovered a single spent shell from the discharged round. Subsequent efforts to apprehend Nicholas have so far proven fruitless. A search conducted at his last known residence in West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, yielded no sign of the suspect or the stolen funds. Authorities have since issued a wanted bulletin for Nicholas and are actively pursuing leads to locate both him and the getaway vehicle.
The incident has reportedly sparked concern among citizens about the reliability of private security personnel and the protocols in place to prevent such breaches. In a country where trust in law enforcement and private security is paramount, this betrayal of duty has struck a nerve. As the investigation continues, the Guyana Police Force is urging anyone with information on Nicholas’s whereabouts to come forward.
This robbery, executed with chilling precision by someone meant to protect, underscores the need for rigorous vetting and oversight within the private security sector. It also serves as a stark reminder that even in our homeland, where community and accountability are deeply valued, vigilance must never be taken for granted.
