I don't watch the news. Has this been on?
I'm not sure but people will do anything to make money. That idea goes way back. Constantine's mother had several nails from the original cross and wanted her son to keep some of them on his horse so he would remain safe in battle.. Over the years you can read of others who had splinters from the real cross of crucifixion. Israel even shows tourists the birthplace of Jesus and his his burial tomb.