Security officers in Makkah have recovered jewelry and cash worth SR3 million from a vehicle that was car-jacked by a gang within 24 hours of the crime being committed.

Lt. Col. Abdul Mohsen Al-Maiman, spokesman of Makkah police, said on Monday that the robbery took place while a Saudi involved in gold business was traveling with his sales representative. “When they stopped their vehicle for Asr prayer, a group of men introduced themselves as security officers in plainclothes and obstructed their way,” said Al-Maiman.

The gang then told the businessman that he was wanted by police for security reasons and asked him to get into the vehicle and took him to a remote place. The gang then asked the businessman to get off the car and sped away in the vehicle. The businessman was carrying SR1.2 million in cash and gold ornaments valued at SR1.8 million, sabq.org reported.

Al-Maiman said security officers launched a manhunt for the robbers following a complaint lodged by the businessman with Taneem police. They received instructions from Makkah police chief Maj. Gen. Assaf Al-Qurashi to track down the criminals as quickly as possible.

“Within 24 hours, we found the vehicle abandoned by the gang with the valuables. We handed over the money and gold ornaments to the businessman within 48 hours,” the spokesman said, adding that efforts are still underway to arrest the gang members.