During World War II, Nazi Germany created the "Protectorates" of Bohemia and Moravia in occupied Czechoslovakia.

In conjunction with the subsequent genocide, the Occupation Authorities initiated a systematic campaign to identify and confiscate assets of the victims.

Insurance policies were an attractive target. The Gestapo typically would claim or otherwise redeem policies for their cash value. A list of people whose policies were looted is available at: http://www.claimscon.org/index.asp?url=czech

Note this database represents a fraction of confiscated and stolen assets. Holocaust victims whose property was confiscated by the Office of Jewish Emigration are not included, although research is currently underway to identify them, via The Phenomenon Holocaust Project.

Citizens who have Holocaust-era claims should also contact the Simon Wiesenthal Center, 9750 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90035. Phone: (800) 900-9036; or visit their web site at: http://www.wiesenthal.com

Czechs whose property may have been confiscated between 1939 and 1945 by the UK Custodian for Enemy Property should check to see if compensation is available pursuant to a Payment Scheme set up in 1999 by the British Government. Go to: www.enemyproperty.gov.uk or contact:

EPCAP Secretariat
EPCAP/Berr
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET   UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 3486 or +44 (020) 7215 2268
Fax: +44 (0)20 7215 3487
Email: janette.plumridge@berr.gsi.gov.uk