Russian customs authorities investigated a 2.8-ton object being exported from Saint Petersburg, initially claiming it was a decorative garden piece. Upon reviewing the export documentation, irregularities were found that prompted further investigation. Experts determined that the object was not a mere piece of decor but an authentic fragment of the Aletai meteorite, significantly increasing its assessed value.

Valued at approximately 3.6 million euros, the identification of the object as a meteorite led Russian authorities to open a criminal case against the parties involved for smuggling strategically important or culturally significant items. Smuggling such items can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years, highlighting the serious nature of the offense and the importance of protecting such valuable natural resources from illegal trade.

The incident raises larger questions about the trafficking of meteorites and other natural artifacts, as the demand for such items in the global market continues to grow. The case underscores the critical role of customs and regulatory bodies in monitoring and enforcing laws to prevent the illegal extraction and sale of valuable extraterrestrial materials, which can have astronomical scientific and financial implications.