Disputed Tyrannosaurus Bataar case is in final stage

Ts.Oyungerel, Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism gave more details about when the findings regarding the Tyrannosaurus Bataar case would arrive in Mongolia.

-Has the attorney for the disputed Tyrannosaurus Bataar case collected enough evidence to prove that it was found in the Mongolian Gobi ? When the findings will arrive in Mongolia ?

-The appeal hearing to decide whether or not to transfer the Tyrannosaurus Bataar fossil will be held in December. The attorneys are still collecting evidence. Only the judges will decide whether or not to return the smuggled findings to Mongolia. The Federal Attorneys appointed by the Mongolian Government proved that the fossil was from Mongolia during two hearings. But the dinosaur dealer Eric Prokopi claims that Tyrannosaurus Bataar was not from Mongolia and wants it back. The Mongolian State Investigation Agency has been working to prove how Eric Prokopi smuggled the Tyrannosaurus Bataar skeleton.

-What evidence is there?

-We have photos that show that Eric Prokopi was digging and transporting the fossil in Umnugovi province. Eric Prokopi wants the fossil back, claiming that there is no act to protect culture heritage between US and Mongolia. However, both Mongolia and US are members of UNESCO, therefore US should give the fossil back to Mongolia.

-Who helped Eric Prokopi smuggle Tyrannosaurus Bataar from Mongolia ?

-The Federal Attorney said that there is no evidence that any Mongolians were involved in the smuggling. But the case revealed that illegal diggings have been made in unprotected sites in Mongolia. We suspect Eric Prokopi smuggled four dinosaur skeletons from Mongolia. We hope this case will be the first step to stopping an illegal business network of black market goods.