A car that was stolen in Italy 18 years ago has turned up in Buffalo, New York, of all places. Now officials are trying to get the luxury sports car back in the rightful owner’s hands.
The United States Attorney’s Office said the 1996 Ferrari F50 was taken in 2003.
It was finally found during an inspection at the Peace Bridge being transported from Canada into the U.S. on Dec. 14, 2019.
Officials said agents with Customs and Border Patrol noticed rivets on the vehicle identification number plate had a tar-like substance on them. They put a hold on the car so they could investigate.
The car is estimated to be worth $1.9 million.
“After investigation, my office determined that it would not be appropriate for us to exercise our authority and forfeit this extremely valuable and previously stolen luxury car. Instead, after an 18-year odyssey, which we know took it across continents and countries, we have decided that the time has come for a court of law to determine the rightful owner of the vehicle,” U.S. Attorney James Kennedy said in a news release.
Kennedy’s office has filed a civil action suit to find out who can take ownership of the Ferrari.