Gabon police arrest three over failed explosive bank heist
Suspects accused of attempting to blow up a vehicle carrying Olam payroll funds near Bitam.
Three individuals have been arrested and detained in Gabon for allegedly attempting to rob a vehicle carrying payroll funds for Olam employees. The suspects are accused of using explosives in the failed heist on September 6, 2026, on the Bitam-Mongomo road in the Woleu-Ntem province.
The targeted vehicle belonged to Sodec, a subsidiary, and was transporting money for Olam-Batouri agents. The attackers reportedly placed an industrial explosive device the day before the incident. The blast damaged the vehicle, but its seven bank agents and one armed gendarme escaped unharmed.
The suspects face charges of attempted armed robbery with explosives and criminal association. Investigations by the Directorate General of Research (DGR) and local gendarmerie led to their arrest last week. They have been placed in detention at the Bitam Peloton pending trial.
Why it mattersThree individuals are facing legal proceedings in Gabon for an attempted explosive robbery targeting company payroll funds.