A knowledge gap resulted in a fine for an antiques dealer in Linz who was famous on television. He believed that if ivory products were old enough, they could be traded. “I don’t want to know anything more about this,” he told the judge.
“When it comes to ivory, all alarm bells should ring” – the judge of the Linz Regional Court had to deal with the Species Trade Act for the first time, and the prosecutor also said: “a rare case”. In front of her sat an antiques dealer known on television who had offered an ivory jug weighing 1.8 kilograms online. But a de facto trade ban applies to ivory.
“I thought it wouldn’t be a problem because it’s over 100 years old. Everyone in the industry believes that this is allowed,” argued the 59-year-old, who bought the jug from an old man about eight years ago for 2,000 euros. The jug became a slow seller and was shown several times at fairs at home and abroad, but no one looked at it – hence it was offered for sale on the Internet.
Customs instead of buyers
There, customs discovered it, confiscated it and reported the dealer. Because the suspect is known from TV and his expertise is “worth something”, the public prosecutor saw no room for distraction, but also saw no malicious intent and asked for a sentence that does not appear in the register. The judge, who demanded a “higher standard of care” from the suspect, followed the prosecutor and also the suspect, who asked for a lenient sentence. The suspicious intent turned into gross negligence: a fine of 800 euros, half conditional, the jug remains with the state. “I never want to see that stuff again,” said the defendant, who accepted the verdict and warned his colleagues: “Keep your hands off the ivory!”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
