3.7 Kilograms of Gold Mysteriously Found on Swiss Train Handed Over to Red Cross

After an unknown individual left behind 3.7 kilograms of gold on a train in Switzerland, authorities were uncertain about how to ensure its proper delivery. Fortunately, the Swiss courts have resolved the puzzle, ruling that the gold will be donated to the Red Cross. This decision was prompted by the discovery of the words “ICRC valuable consignment” written on the gold package when it was initially found in 2019.

Gold Valued at 200,000 Swiss Francs Abandoned on Swiss Train in 2019

The peculiar story unfolded in 2019 when a batch of 120 gold bars, totalling 3.7 kilograms in weight, was accidentally left on a train journeying from St. Gallen to Lucerne. The police seized the gold for investigation, aiming to track down the owner’s identity, establish its origin, and ascertain any potential connections to criminal activities. While the investigation confirmed that the gold bars were not acquired illicitly, the original owner remained untraceable. Consequently, authorities have opted to allocate the gold to its intended recipient, the Red Cross in Geneva.

The Lucerne Public Prosecutor remarked, “Given that the gold was enclosed in a package addressed to the ICRC, we can reasonably deduce that the anonymous owner intended for this organization to receive it. Hence, the gold will be handed over to the ICRC.” In response, an ICRC spokesperson expressed gratitude for the contribution while also noting a preference for conventional donation methods.

Red Cross Receives Timely Donation Amid Financial Challenges

This donation of 200,000 Swiss francs arrives at a critical moment as the ICRC faces financial hurdles due to complex international economic factors. A blend of soaring inflation leading to increased costs, coupled with reduced donor generosity as more people direct donations to Ukrainian humanitarian initiatives, has led to financial shortfalls for the organization.

In response, the Red Cross has unveiled a cost-cutting strategy worth several hundred million Swiss francs, involving the closure of 26 branches out of the 350 sites globally. The charity communicated, “The received donation will significantly contribute to funding the ICRC’s global operations, dedicated to aiding the most vulnerable individuals affected by conflict and violence,” adding that the gold will be sold to generate funds to support their mission.