Romania's most valuable artifacts stolen in the Netherlands

Dutch police have announced that objects, including the Cotofenești Gold Helmet—one of Romania's most valuable historical artifacts—and three royal bracelets, were stolen in a robbery at the Drents Museum in the city of Assen.

The statement indicated that the museum door was breached using explosives at 03:45, and the robbery was carried out by multiple individuals.

Police noted that they are investigating a vehicle found burned near the museum, which may be linked to the robbery, and that a large-scale investigation has been launched to apprehend the perpetrators.

ROYAL BRACELETS

In a written statement from the Drents Museum, it was confirmed that the Cotofenești Gold Helmet, which dates back to 450 BC and was on loan from the National History Museum of Romania, along with three Dacian royal bracelets, had been stolen.

The statement included remarks from Museum Director Harry Tupan, who said, "This is a dark day for both the Drents Museum in Assen and the National History Museum of Romania in Bucharest. We are deeply shaken by the events of last night.

We feel great embarrassment toward our Romanian colleagues." It was also reported that the museum was closed to visitors for the weekend.

In the Netherlands, two diamond jewels stolen by 4 thieves during the TEFAF Art Fair in June 2022 while visitors were present were only recovered about two years later, in May 2024.

News Source: AA