CBS News is reporting that “U.S. authorities in New York have returned a 70-million-year-old nearly complete Tyrannosaurus bataar skeleton to the Mongolian government.” The skull and bones were allegedly smuggled into the country by Eric Prokopi, and sold for a cool million bucks before Immigration and Customs Enforcement stepped in. And you thought all they did was shut down sports streaming websites before the Super Bowl.
As per CBS, “Investigators found 400-lbs of fossils in Prokopi’s home, he pleaded guilty to charges related to fossil smuggling.” Because there are actually charges relating to that, including “conspiracy, the fraudulent transfer of dinosaur bones and making false statements to customs authorities.” Hmm, I wonder what happens to fraudulent-dinosaur-bones transferors in prison…
As for the million-dollar-tyranno-baby, authorities in both countries are happy it’s headed back where it belongs. “We are very pleased to have played a pivotal role in returning Mongolia’s million dollar baby,” U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement. “Of course, that million dollar price tag, as high as it is, doesn’t begin to describe the true value of an ancient artifact that is part of the fabric of a country’s natural history and cultural heritage – priceless.”
Meanwhile, Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj expressed gratitude for the safe return of the skeleton. “Our two countries are separated by many miles, but share a passion for justice and a commitment to putting an end to illegal smuggling,” he said. So now that they’ve clamped down on the lucrative dinosaur-bone market, perhaps ICE could start looking into those gun-and-drug smugglers?
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
