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Banknotes (symbol image): Extraordinary storm
Photo: Monika Skolimowska / dpa
Banknotes with a value of at least 50,000 euros have flown out of a high-rise building in Mainz.
According to the police, several residents of the high-rise complex reported the "extraordinary storm" on Monday afternoon.
Local residents have already collected a five-digit amount and handed it over to the police, it is said.
A police spokeswoman said it was not allowed to pocket the banknotes.
That would be embezzlement and would result in a fine or even imprisonment.
Südwestrundfunk had previously reported.
Where does the money come from?
It is not yet clear who owns the money.
No one has come forward yet, the spokeswoman said.
If the owner does not report by Tuesday, the money will be handed over to the lost and found office of the city of Mainz.
The rightful owner can then collect the money upon presentation of appropriate proof.
According to the police, it is also unclear from which building the rain of money came and why the banknotes flew out of the house.
"The suspicions range from money sewn into a pillow that accidentally fell out when you banged it to money that came from a crime," it said.
ptz/dpa