The list of objects from the First World War, found in two Colmar residents, is long: kilograms of cartridges, shells, rifles and pistols, grenades, gas masks, bayonets, but also personal objects of soldiers, identification plates, objects of everyday life…
Looting of World War I archaeological sites
These two enthusiasts would have plundered archaeological excavations in the town of Munster, in the Haut-Rhin, considerably degrading the sites.
They were identified on specialized forums, in discussions and exchanges of photos of cultural property, then arrested on Monday, October 11 by the Central Office for the Fight against Trafficking in Cultural Property of Nanterre, and by the Colmar gendarmerie, co-seized on this investigation by the Colmar prosecution.
The two men in their fifties were then placed in police custody, and will be summoned on April 13, 2023 before the Colmar Criminal Court.
Up to 7 years in prison
Unknown to justice, they will have to answer for the facts of “archaeological excavations without authorisation, destruction of archaeological heritage, theft of archaeological property, possession without authorization of weapons and war material and endangering the lives of others” said Catherine Sorita-Minard, public prosecutor, in a press release.
They are also accused unauthorized use of metal detectors for historical research or archaeological and intrusion on an excavation site.
The penalties incurred are up to 7 years imprisonment and fines.