Nazi 'gold train' discoverers make first TV appearance

Treausre hunters Andreas Richter and Piotr Koper identified themsleves for the first time on Friday on Polish television station TVP.INFO.

The two men claimed last month to have discovered the legendary Nazi "gold train" near the western Polish town of Walbrzych in Lower Silesia.

"We have evidence of its existence," the pair said, adding that they were willing to cooperate with Polish authorities over the potential find.

According to local lore, the Nazis hid the train from the Red Army shortly before the end of the Second World War. Many believe the armoured locomotive contains gold, stolen valuables, gems, guns and raw materials.

TVP.INFO said on Friday that the train is not in a tunnel, as previously thought, but instead buried in the ground.

National frenzy

A group of Polish soldiers belonging to the de-mining unit arrived at the rumored site on Friday to inspect the area. There were no indications, however, that they had started digging.

Amid the heightening speculation over the train's existence, Poland has become obsessed with what should be done with the treasure.

Richter and Koper said on Friday that the train should "stay as a tourist attraction in Lower Silesia."

"We have considered investing a significant part in the establishment of a museum about the discovery," the pair said.

Polish National Bank Chief Marek Belka was even asked this week if any of the treasure could be used to pay off Poland's sovereign debt.

The World Jewish Congress said, however, that any valuables stolen from Jews who were murdered by the Nazis should be returned to their rightful owners.

ksb/se (Reuters, AFP, dpa)