Instead of arriving at its planned destination of Swiebodzice, it is alleged that the train was lost without trace in the mountains around the town of Walbrzych, the same region in south-west Poland where the two men now claim to have found it.
It is estimated that during the course of the Second World War, Nazi Germany plundered approximately $550 million in gold from the governments of the countries it occupied. In addition, the Nazis took gold from individuals, particularly victims of the holocaust, who were searched in concentration camps for gold, including their gold teeth.
The local Walbrzych magistrate confirmed that local authorities had received notification of the discovery, and said the management of the case has been transferred to the Poland's Ministries of Defense, Finance, and Culture and Heritage; if the gold train haul is found, it will become the property of the Polish state.
"The letter does not contain the exact location of the train, but there is no doubt that the find is on the territory of our province," announced the magistrate, who was skeptical about the claim of the treasure hunter.
"This is a military train, and in its description there is no proof that it contains riches. More than likely, this is military equipment."
"I think that the train might contain weapons and works of art. Narrow train tracks were laid all around the castle complex, and their construction was kept a strict secret."
"The site was very secure, and a very convenient transport route had been laid out. So, the notion that the train ended up around here is very plausible," said Szpakowski.
