Marvel figures, high-quality alcohol, ivory or even lingerie: you will find many a hidden (and sometimes bizarre) treasure in the exhibits office of the main customs office.
“We receive items that have been seized as part of enforcement measures,” says Michael Unglaube from the main customs office. “These include everything that can be monetized in some way.” But not everything in the evidence room is for sale: “We also store evidence that was seized as part of criminal proceedings.”
In order to empty their warehouses, customs regularly hold auctions. Old fire engines, windscreens, television and computer technology, but also office chairs and branded clothing – everything goes under the hammer.
Sometimes you can go to the website zoll-auction.de get real bargains. A particularly amusing offer read: “1 BH, Lascana, Gr. 90D – 25 euros”. The good piece was to be picked up at the office…
Unglaube explains: “It can be an enforcement measure for a private individual or the remainder of a business. The exact background is mostly not known to us.”
But one event is memorable! Once more than 100 vibration massage devices were confiscated. “Something like this falls under the protection of minors and is not freely auctioned off. We specifically approach specialty stores.”