Mystery QR Codes Appear on Graves in Munich, Prompting Investigation

In Munich, the emergence of around 1,000 QR code stickers on gravestones has stirred intrigue and prompted a police probe. The white stickers, which feature black QR codes along with names and a mix of alphanumeric characters, have baffled cemetery officials, including Bernd Hoerauf, who oversees the city’s burial sites. The unusual sight has raised questions about their origin and purpose, as they differ from typical QR codes traditionally used for memorials.

Munich's cemeteries have allowed QR codes for over a decade as a means of creating online memorials for loved ones who have passed. However, these codes are typically incorporated into the gravestones themselves, either through engraving or metal plates, making the recent discoveries even more perplexing.

While officials have yet to determine whether these codes hold any significance or lead to online tributes, the situation underscores a growing trend in memorialization technology. Some locals view the stickers as a form of digital remembrance, while others express concerns over respect for the deceased and their families. The investigation continues as authorities attempt to uncover the mystery surrounding this unusual phenomenon in the city's solemn spaces.