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Russian Authorities Seize $323 Million Meteorite Smuggling Attempt

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Russian investigators intercepted a meteorite fragment at Saint Petersburg port on February 5, 2026.
The Federal Customs Service said it was declared as a garden sculpture bound for United Kingdom.
A detailed inspection found discrepancies in its declared origin and value.
The fragment is part of the Aletai meteorite, more than 4.5 billion years old, valued at 323 million rubles.
A criminal investigation has been opened regarding the attempted smuggling.

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Story summary

Russian investigators intercepted a meteorite fragment at Saint Petersburg port on February 5, 2026.
The Federal Customs Service said it was declared as a garden sculpture bound for United Kingdom.
A detailed inspection found discrepancies in its declared origin and value.
The fragment is part of the Aletai meteorite, more than 4.5 billion years old, valued at 323 million rubles.
A criminal investigation has been opened regarding the attempted smuggling.