German funeral worker sentenced for stealing gold from 250 corpses

A 63-year-old funeral worker in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has been sentenced for stealing gold and valuables from at least 250 deceased individuals over an 11-year period. Between 2013 and 2024, Karl-Heinz K. used tools such as pliers and hammers to extract gold teeth from corpses and stole jewelry and expensive watches from coffins.

Investigators determined that the man and his estranged wife, Simone, misappropriated approximately 8 kg of precious metals, valued at roughly 250,000 euro. The couple used the proceeds to fund a luxurious lifestyle, including purchasing expensive cars, larger homes, and VIP passes to Europa-Park. Simone assisted by selling the stolen items.

The Freiburg Regional Court sentenced Karl-Heinz K. to two years and six months in prison for theft and the desecration of corpses. Simone received an 18-month prison sentence, which was suspended.