Nazi gold train ‘in 500-acre tunnels’

NEW ground-penetrating radar photos prove the existence of a 500-acre tunnel system at the spot where the fabled Nazi ‘gold train’ is said to be buried, Polish authorities said yesterday.

‘The studies confirm the existence of a large tunnel complex,’ said Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, of the Walim municipality.

The local council examined the site after claims by treasure hunters over the summer that a train laden with Nazi plunder lay buried 70ft down, close to the town of Walbrzych in southern Poland.

Those claims were ridiculed by experts but confirmation the tunnels exist is certain to reignite gold fever in the region.

Some locals believe it was destined for Berlin in 1945, with treasure stolen from museums, nobles and banks. Polish army troops are expected to begin preliminary searches for the train this autumn.

Meanwhile, two treasure hunters who used their own radar to search for it may be prosecuted. Piotr Koper and Andreas Richter are accused of not having permits to carry out the hunt. The allegation by the regional conservation authority is to deter others. The duo want a 10 per cent salvage fee and will not reveal its location.