Officials have raided a UFO museum and seized a mysterious ‘mummy’s foot’.
The tootsie – thought to belong to an alien – was confiscated along with around 60 other exhibits.
Police officers and Interpol agents arrived at the Museo del Ovni – which translates as UFO Museum – located in Victoria, north west of Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 24 April.
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The tourist attraction has been based in the home of researcher Silvia Pérez Simondini since 2005.
![Authorities raid a UFO museum in Argentina, seizing a mysterious mummified foot believed to be of extraterrestrial origin, sparking intrigue and controversy. The incident highlights tensions over the possession and trade of archaeological artifacts between Argentina and Peru.](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Officials-raid-UFO-museum-and-seize-mysterious-‘mummys-foot-6.jpg)
The museum features a number of alleged extraterrestrial relics as well as historical artefacts.
A mummified foot that has been on display in the museum for many years recently came to the attention of officials at the Peruvian Embassy in Argentina.
![Authorities raid a UFO museum in Argentina, seizing a mysterious mummified foot believed to be of extraterrestrial origin, sparking intrigue and controversy. The incident highlights tensions over the possession and trade of archaeological artifacts between Argentina and Peru.](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Officials-raid-UFO-museum-and-seize-mysterious-‘mummys-foot-5.jpg)
They said the skeletal object has significant scientific importance for Peru.
After learning about the foot, Embassy officials alerted the Argentine authorities about a possible violation of an agreement between the two countries.
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Peru and Argentina work together to combat the illegal trade of archaeological and cultural artefacts.
![Authorities raid a UFO museum in Argentina, seizing a mysterious mummified foot believed to be of extraterrestrial origin, sparking intrigue and controversy. The incident highlights tensions over the possession and trade of archaeological artifacts between Argentina and Peru.](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Officials-raid-UFO-museum-and-seize-mysterious-‘mummys-foot-4.jpg)
Officials later found a video showcasing the mummy’s foot on YouTube and subsequently launched a raid on the museum.
As well as seizing the foot, the authorities also confiscated fossils, ceramic fragments and pottery items that are believed to have been brought to Argentina from Peru.
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![Authorities raid a UFO museum in Argentina, seizing a mysterious mummified foot believed to be of extraterrestrial origin, sparking intrigue and controversy. The incident highlights tensions over the possession and trade of archaeological artifacts between Argentina and Peru.](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Officials-raid-UFO-museum-and-seize-mysterious-‘mummys-foot-3.jpg)
However, Simondini maintains that her sister found the foot during a holiday to the Peruvian capital Lima a long time ago.
She said she tried to donate it to a number of museums over the years, but they never showed any interest.
During the “unpleasant” raid, Simondini said officials took “many pieces that were found here in Victoria”.
The objects are currently being examined by the National Institute of Anthropology and Latin American Thought, as reported by What’s the Jam.
![Authorities raid a UFO museum in Argentina, seizing a mysterious mummified foot believed to be of extraterrestrial origin, sparking intrigue and controversy. The incident highlights tensions over the possession and trade of archaeological artifacts between Argentina and Peru.](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Officials-raid-UFO-museum-and-seize-mysterious-‘mummys-foot-2.jpg)
It is unclear if Simondini faces any criminal charges for possessing the items.
Earlier this month, the Peruvian authorities interrupted a press conference on the ‘Nazca mummies’ and attempted to seize a newly presented specimen.
The press event was hosted by ufologist Jaime Maussan who previously presented two mummified ‘aliens’ at the Mexican congress in September last year.
![Authorities raid a UFO museum in Argentina, seizing a mysterious mummified foot believed to be of extraterrestrial origin, sparking intrigue and controversy. The incident highlights tensions over the possession and trade of archaeological artifacts between Argentina and Peru.](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Officials-raid-UFO-museum-and-seize-mysterious-‘mummys-foot-1024x576.jpg)
Maussan, 70, claimed to have “definitive proof” on the so-called tridactyl mummies due to them having three fingers and toes.
As part of the press event in Peru, the Mexican ufologist presented a new specimen named Montserrat.
The alien was pregnant with a tridactyl foetus at the time of her death.
However, the press conference was interrupted by officials from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture who intended to confiscate Montserrat’s body.
Accompanied by specialised police officers, officials interrupted a talk by researcher Jois Mantilla to grab the microphone.
However, they were surprised to learn that the physical mummy was not present at the event.
Maussan and colleagues were only carrying out a video presentation on the pregnant tridactyl mummy.
Peruvian officials then left the event empty handed.
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