A World War Two-era Panther battle tank is being prepared for transport from an 84-year old's Heikendorf, Germany property on 02/07/15. ARSTEN REHDER/dpa/Getty ImagesA German man aged 84 has been found guilty of illegal weapon possession.An investigation revealed that a WWII Panther tank and a stash of ammunition were found in the basement of the victim's home.It took nine hours for the army to remove the stash of weapons.Check out more stories from Insider's business page.A German 84-year old man was convicted of illegal weapon possession. He was sentenced to a 250,000-dollar fine ($293,972) and a 14-month suspended prison sentence.In 2015, a search of the home in Heikendorf in Northern Germany revealed that it contained a World War II-era Panther tank as well as a large amount of ammunition.According to prosecutors, the military collector had violated Germany's War Weapons Control Act. According to an RT-DE report, defense lawyers argued that the weapons are no longer functional and therefore were not in violation of this legislation.The prosecutors persuaded the court that weapons could be used.According to BBC reports, the court ordered that the man sell or donate the tank or anti-aircraft cannon within two years.According to the BBC, the armaments were found in the basement of the retired man in 2015. Local authorities were informed about the contents of the war-time property after it was searched for Nazi-era art.20 soldiers took nine hours to remove the military hardware from the home of the unnamed man.A horde also of Nazi memorabilia was found, including a bust Hitler, mannequins wearing Nazi uniforms, SS rune lamps and swastika pendants. Also, a statue depicting a naked warrior with a sword in his extended hands that once stood outside Hitler’s Chancellery in Berlin. This statue was created by Arno Breker who is the dictator's favourite sculptor. War History Online.Alexander Orth, Heikendorf's mayor, stated to Suddeutsche Zeitung at the time that the tank was once used as a snowplow in 1978.The mayor was asked about his opinion on the ownership of the tank. He replied that he loved steam trains and the tanks.Business Insider has the original article.
