Russian customs say they stopped an attempt to export a more than 2.5-tonne meteorite fragment to the United Kingdom. The rock, found in a Saint Petersburg sea container falsely declared as a garden sculpture, is believed to be part of the Aletai iron meteorite and is valued at roughly 323 million rubles (about $4.2 million). Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation, and scientists warn that commercial trading of meteorites can hinder important research into the early solar system.
Russia Says Customs Foiled Smuggling Of 2.5‑Tonne Meteorite Bound For UK
Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into smuggling (Handout)(Handout/Federal Customs Service of Russia/AFP)
Russian investigators say they intercepted an attempt to export a massive meteorite fragment to the United Kingdom, the Federal Customs Service announced on Thursday.
The specimen, weighing more than 2.5 tonnes, is believed to be a piece of the Aletai meteorite, one of the largest known iron meteorites on Earth. Authorities say the shipment was uncovered during routine inspections of a sea container at the port of Saint Petersburg.
According to a customs statement, the crate was declared as a garden sculpture, but a detailed inspection revealed the cargo's origin and declared value did not match the paperwork. Video released by officials shows customs officers prying open a wooden crate to reveal the rugged, grey-surfaced rock inside.
Value, Investigation and Destination
The agency estimated the fragment could be worth about 323 million rubles (approximately $4.2 million). Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation, and officials said the meteorite's declared destination was the United Kingdom, though they did not identify the exporter.
Scientific And Ethical Concerns
Scientists have raised ethical concerns about the commercial sale of meteorites. Many such specimens are valuable for research because they contain clues about the composition of the early solar system; removing or selling them can hinder scientific study and destroy important context for research.
The Aletai meteorite was first recovered in western China in 1898 and is believed to be at least 4.5 billion years old. Russian authorities say the seized fragment may be part of this historically significant iron meteorite.
“The cargo’s declared description did not correspond to its actual origin or value,” the Federal Customs Service said in its statement.
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about potential suspects or how the specimen was removed from its original site.
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