[BenLurkin]

caused millions of dollars worth of damage to a fossilised whale

Is there really that much of a market for fossilized whale?

What bizarre appraisal techniques are used to come up with a $10MM figure for some old bones?

[ccmay]

Is there really that much of a market for fossilized whale? What bizarre appraisal techniques are used to come up with a $10MM figure for some old bones?

Yes, there certainly is a market for fossils, and a complete whale skeleton would fetch a pretty penny from a museum or wealthy collector. I think a million or so is more realistic. The most expensive fossil ever sold was an excellent Tyrannosaurus rex specimen from South Dakota, the famous one known as "Sue". She sold for $8.4 million.

-ccm

[chit*chat]

Is there really that much of a market for fossilized whale?

That is hardly the point! These jerks are untouchable by virtue of their diplomatic status and rather than being good global citizens (/sarcasm) by example they are obnoxious and callous, breaking the law without a thought or care when it suits them.

Why society puts up with this and allows diplomatic immunity is disturbingly unreasonable.