Shocking CCTV footage and passport records have implicated two Georgian nationals in a daring heist inside Hargeisa’s gold market, whereby 340 grams of gold — valued at approximately US $42,000 — was allegedly stolen from a 75-year-old Somali grandmother.
The victim, described locally as a grandmother who had invested much of her modest life savings in the gold, is reported to have lost nearly her entire nest egg. Her shock has rippled through the gold-trading community, calling into question security and accountability in open-market areas.
Security camera footage captured the two suspects in the act, removing the gold from the grandmother’s possession. According to sources close to the victim and to local traders, the footage clearly identifies the perpetrators. Cross-checked with passport and immigration records, authorities say they have confirmed the suspects’ Georgian nationality.
Moments after the theft, the pair reportedly fled Hargeisa, boarding a flight to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is not yet clear whether they had prearranged exit plans, or whether the theft was opportunistic. Immigration logs suggest a swift departure consistent with someone seeking to escape local jurisdiction.
For the 75-year-old victim, the loss is devastating. Locals say gold, especially in Somaliland, often serves not merely as jewellery but as a form of savings and wealth storage — a cushion against hard times. Losing it in such a brazen manner has deep social and economic consequences.
Market vendors near Gobonimo Market in Hargeisa (one of the city’s main gold and jewellery trading hubs) expressed concern over increasing reports of thefts, especially in crowded or less supervised areas. Many have called on local authorities to improve camera surveillance, stall security, and law enforcement patrols.
Authorities in Somaliland face a difficult task: recovering the stolen property, identifying if local accomplices were involved, and ensuring that the suspects, now abroad, face justice.
Due to the cross-border nature of the flight to Dubai, diplomatic channels may be required. Extradition or legal cooperation with UAE authorities may depend on treaty arrangements, as well as the clarity of evidence including passport/immigration logs, flight manifests, and CCTV reviews.
What Remains Unclear
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Confirmation of identities: Although passport records reportedly link the suspects to Georgia, precise identification (names, ages, etc.) has not yet been released publicly.
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Motives and planning: Whether the theft was premeditated or opportunistic, whether the suspects acted alone or with local help, remains under investigation.
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Recovery of assets: Whether any part of the stolen gold has been tracked, seized, or returned is not yet known.
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Legal proceedings: No arrests have (as of now) been publicly confirmed, outside of the suspects’ identification.
