This past Friday wasn`t so great for Karp Impex, an India-based diamond manufacturer with offices in Antwerp. The office was the sight of one of the biggest robberies in Belgium.

The family of Pankaj Maldar – a partner as Karp Impex – was held at gun point at their home by a gang of thieves demanding diamonds from the company`s office. The gang came into the home with full knowledge of Karp Impex`s inventory, and demanded that Maldar get the diamonds while his family was held hostage.

Reports suggest that the robbers made away with diamonds valued up to $10 million. The family was held hostage for 18 hours.

Vasant Mehta, chairman of India`s Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Center said: "Antwerp used to be a safe place to do business but this should serve as a wakeup call for the city," He argued that the robbery wasn`t aimed specifically at the Indian company, claiming that "it could have been anyone."