NASA Heist: The Theft of Moon Rocks and Aftermath
NASA, in addition to being an institution known for its space exploration and scientific discoveries, was also at the center of a historic robbery. In 2002, this robbery, carried out by an intern, became both an international scandal and a notable event in the criminal world. In this incident, Theft of moon rocks and what happened next attracted the attention of many people and made them search for answers to many questions.
Theft of Moon Rocks: Development of the Event
Thad Roberts, an intern working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, promised his lover that he would “give him the Moon.” However, this promise led him to an illegal act. Roberts set his sights on one of the space agency’s most valuable collections by stealing 7 kilos of Moon rocks. These rocks were collected during the Apollo missions and stored for scientific research.
The Value of Stolen Moon Rocks
The value of the stolen moon rocks is approx. 21 million dollars This was not only due to the physical weight of the stolen stones, but also their scientific and historical significance. Roberts and his accomplices planned to sell the gems online, aiming to both make money and attract attention.
Accomplices and the Plan Behind the Robbery
Roberts teamed up with another intern named Shae Saur. The duo managed to bypass NASA's security systems and committed a major crime by stealing the stones. However, instead of hiding them in a routine manner, strange behavior The fact that they scattered the stolen stones on the bed and had sexual intercourse increased the absurdity of the incident even more.
Internet Sales Attempt and FBI Intervention
The couple put the stolen moon rocks up for sale online for high prices. Here, you can find the grams of the rocks 2 thousand to 8 thousand dollars They tried to offer it to collectors, pricing it between 100 and 150. However, a Belgian collector noticed this situation, which prompted the FBI to step in. The collector contacted the FBI and reported the situation, and an operation was planned.
FBI Operation and the Moment of Capture
The FBI devised an elaborate plan to catch the thieves. Roberts and his accomplices offered the moon rocks for sale under the pseudonym 'Orb Robinson'. The collector, who cooperated with the FBI, wanted the rocks and arranged a meeting with the thieves. This meeting resulted in the FBI's game and the trainees fell into a trap.
Catchy Moments and Arrests
FBI agents went with the thieves to a hotel room where the stolen Moon rocks were hidden and arrested the criminals. These arrests took place on the 11rd anniversary of the Apollo 33 Moon landing. This was recorded as an ironic aspect of the event.
Scientific Value of Stolen Moon Rocks
Moon rocks stolen by Roberts and his friends from NASA were scientifically unavailable due to contamination after they were captured It has become useless. In addition, the destruction of nearly 30 years of handwritten research notes belonging to a NASA scientist that were locked in a safe increased the seriousness of this incident. The incident was not only a robbery, but also a great loss for the scientific world.
Conclusion: Human Motivations Behind a Robbery
This incident experienced by Thad Roberts and his accomplices shows how curiosity, love and ambition can lead to dangerous results. The theft of the moon rocks is remembered as a story that challenges the complexity and limits of human nature, beyond being just a crime. It is critical for the future of science and space exploration that NASA increases its security measures after this incident and works to prevent similar incidents. In this way, more robberies and similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
