Russia Seizes 2.8-Ton Aletai Meteorite Disguised as Garden Ornament

**Excerpt:** A 2.8-ton fragment of the Aletai meteorite, disguised as a garden ornament, was intercepted in Saint Petersburg while being smuggled to the U.K.

Key Points

– Russian customs officials seized a 2.8-ton piece of the Aletai meteorite.
– The meteorite was falsely declared as a garden sculpture.
– It was discovered in a shipping container at the port of Saint Petersburg.
– The fragment is valued at approximately $4.2 million.
– A criminal investigation has been launched regarding the smuggling attempt.

Full Article

Discovery of the Meteorite

Russian investigators announced that they thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large meteorite fragment to the United Kingdom. The Federal Customs Service reported the seizure of a 2.8-ton piece, believed to originate from the Aletai meteorite, one of Earth’s largest known iron meteorites. The discovery took place during routine checks on a shipping container at the port of Saint Petersburg.

Details of the Smuggling Attempt

The customs service stated that the meteorite was declared as a garden sculpture. However, a thorough inspection revealed discrepancies between the declared information and the true nature of the cargo. Video footage showed customs officers inspecting the crate, uncovering a grey and rugged rock inside. The estimated value of the meteorite is around 323 million rubles, equivalent to approximately $4.2 million.

Ongoing Investigation

The customs service did not disclose the identity of the individual or organization attempting to import the meteorite. Prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into the smuggling attempt.

Scientific Significance

The Aletai meteorite, discovered in western China in 1898, is thought to be at least 4.5 billion years old. Scientists have raised ethical concerns about the sale of meteorites, which are valuable for research and provide insights into the early solar system. The recent interception of this meteorite highlights the ongoing issues surrounding meteorite smuggling and its implications for scientific research.