DAKAR, Senegal — A 54-pound (25-kilogram) meteorite, the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth, sold for over $5 million at a New York auction last month, setting a world record. However, officials in Niger, where the meteorite was discovered in the Sahara Desert, have launched an investigation into what they describe as possible "illicit international trafficking," suggesting it may have been smuggled out of the country.

The meteorite, named NWA 16788, was reportedly blasted off Mars by a massive asteroid impact and traveled approximately 140 million miles (225 million kilometers) to reach Earth. It was found in northwestern Niger by an undisclosed meteorite hunter in November 2023, according to Sotheby’s, the auction house that sold it. The identity of the buyer remains unknown.

Meteorite hunting has become increasingly popular in arid regions like Niger. The Sahara's climate is conducive to preserving meteorites, making it a prime location for collectors and scientists seeking rare space rocks. The most sought-after meteorites are those from Mars and the Moon. After its discovery, NWA 16788 was sold to an international dealer and later examined by scientists from the University of Florence, who studied its structure and origins. The meteorite was briefly displayed in Rome before appearing at the auction in New York.

Following the auction, Niger's government raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the meteorite's sale. They announced an investigation to clarify how the meteorite was discovered and sold, labeling the situation as "akin to illicit international trafficking." In response, President Abdourahamane Tiani suspended the export of precious stones, semiprecious stones, and meteorites nationwide to ensure better traceability of such items.

Sotheby’s stated that the meteorite was exported from Niger in compliance with all relevant international procedures. They emphasized that all necessary documentation was in order throughout the meteorite's journey. Nigerien authorities have not responded to inquiries regarding the investigation.

Legal experts weigh in on the situation. Patty Gerstenblith, a cultural heritage lawyer, noted that under the UNESCO convention on cultural property, which both Niger and the U.S. have ratified, rare minerals like meteorites can be classified as cultural property. However, she pointed out that Niger must prove ownership and that the meteorite was stolen. "If the meteorite was not stolen and if it was properly declared upon import into the U.S., then it would not seem that Niger can recover the meteorite," she explained.

Paul Sereno, a paleontologist who has worked extensively in Niger, advocates for the return of the country’s cultural and natural heritage, including meteorites. He stated, "When you have laws that clearly say rare minerals like meteorites are cultural artifacts, you cannot simply come in and take something that is so unique and valuable to a country. We’re just not in the colonial era anymore."

Some countries, such as Morocco, which is a leading source of meteorites, require restitution for objects discovered on their territory. However, enforcing such laws can be difficult due to the vast desert landscapes and informal trading networks.