httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apD5cPVsDjc
A suitcase containing an estimated $1 million in gold bars was abandoned on a commuter train near Paris, but police now say the 20 gold bars were fake.
The ingots would have been worth around 800,000 Euros ($1m; £670,000) if they had been genuine. The bars, made from a base metal were lightly coated with a thin layer of gold.
Investigators are baffled as to why the fake bars were made and more importantly, who had left them behind on the train. Suggestions include that they are part of a worldwide scam cashing in on the extortionate current high price of gold. Jewelers in Paris have queues outside of people looking to cash in on family valuables as a way of helping the family economy.
The find had prompted speculation that if classed as "treasure," the bars could be shared between the Paris transport operator and the conductor who found it.
DEBATE
- What would you do if you found Gold Bars on a train?
- Do you think they were left there on purpose for the general public?
- Is gold the only safe investment today?
- What would you do with €1m?
KEYWORDS
Word |
|
Definition |
Example |
Listen |
Fake |
|
Anything made to appear otherwise than it actually is |
The watch was fake. |
Listen |
Abandoned |
|
When something/someone is left behind and no longer wanted. |
When the lions grow up the owners abandon them. |
Listen |
Mystery |
|
Stories with characters who try to solve a crime or unexplained event. |
The masked guest is an absolute mystery to everyone. |
Listen |
Baffled |
|
Confused/perplexed |
He was baffled by the technical language of the instructions. |
Listen |
Extortionate |
|
MUCH TOO HIGH |
Extortionate prices. |
Listen |
Scam |
|
A dishonest scheme; a fraud |
Work-at-home offers are usually scams. |
Listen |
Prompted |
|
To move or induce to action |
What prompted you to say that? |
Listen |
Speculation |
|
A process of consideration, contemplation |
There was speculation that the girl was pregnant. |
Listen |
Ruling |
|
Group of rules / Authoritative desicions |
The new gender ruling could cost millions to inssurance companies. |
Listen |
