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Museum's missing mummy found after 45 years

09:10 07/11/2015

One of two mummies that went missing from a Brussels museum in 1970 has been found in Mons, after a man tried putting it up for sale at auction.

The Royal Museums of Art and History had lent the mummies to two doctors, who studied them for the effects of decomposition and radiography. Their findings were published in 1973, but the exhibits were never returned.

An auctioneer in Mons became suspicious when he received a request to sell a mummy at auction. After some research, he found out about the disappearance and contacted police.

The Brussels public prosecutor's office said on Friday that a 66-year-old man would be questioned after he has spoken with his lawyer. He is reported to be the son of one of the doctors. 

Local police entered the man's home to confiscate the mummy. The Cinquantenaire museum, which houses a wealth of artefacts from prehistoric times, hopes it will be back in its possession shortly.

Despite the theft dating back 45 years, it is still punishable by law, according to the Brussels public prosecutor.

Written by The Bulletin