Ancient Artifacts Stolen in Dutch Museum Heist Are Recovered
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Fourteen months after a heist at the Drents Museum in the Netherlands, officials announced the return of an ancient golden helmet and two golden bracelets, with a third bracelet still missing.
- The golden helmet of Cotofenesti, dating from the fifth century B.C. and made by the Dacian people, along with the two bracelets, are Romanian treasures recovered during the operation.
- Prosecutors reached an undisclosed agreement with the accused thieves, requiring the safe return of the items before a trial scheduled for this month.
- The helmet sustained minor damage but is fully restorable, while the bracelets were returned in perfect condition, according to museum officials.
- The robbery occurred on January 25, 2025, involving three hooded individuals who used explosives to break into the museum, and three suspects were arrested shortly after.
