The systematic and violent appropriation of movable public or private property belonging to the enemy State, to civilians, wounded, sick or shipwrecked persons, or to prisoners of war.
Pillage is a war crime.
When movable property belonging to civilians, wounded, sick or shipwrecked persons, prisoners of war or the dead on the battlefield is removed by non-violent means, the term “spoliation” is sometimes used. Spoliation is prohibited.
OUTLINE
LEGAL SOURCE
prohibition of
GCI, 15/1 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
GCII, 18/1 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
GCIV, 16/2 and 33/2
CASES
United States Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, United States v. Alfried Krupp et al.
Georgia/Russia, Human Rights Watch’s Report on the Conflict in South Ossetia (Paras. 75, 79, 82-83, 87-89)
Democratic Republic of Congo, Involvement of MONUSCO
Central African Republic, Coup d’Etat
Syria, Report by UN Commission of Inquiry (March 2017)
Switzerland: Gold Looting Case