The West African country of Niger recently launched an investigation after a meteorite that fell on its territory about two years ago was sold at auction last month for more than $5 million.
The meteorite, which originated from Mars, was sold at the long-standing international auction house Sotheby's in New York. The buyer's identity remains anonymous.
Channel 14 reported that the government in the African country claims that the sale constitutes illegal international trade - and that the country's ministries of mines, security, higher education, and justice are participating in the investigation, which is intended to reveal additional details about its discovery and sale.
Currently, the identities of those involved are unknown.
According to Sotheby's, the meteorite was discovered by a meteorite hunter in Agdez, a remote area of Niger. It weighs about 26 kilograms, and is considered small compared to meteorites discovered so far.
However, Niger does not have dedicated legislation to enforce these types of cases.
In response to the investigation, Sotheby's told Reuters: "The meteorite left Niger and was transported in accordance with all relevant international procedures. All necessary documentation was in place at every stage of its journey, in accordance with best practices and the requirements of the countries involved." They also noted: "Niger has not yet enacted specific legislation on the subject.".
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