Art theft trial begins

Today, the court case against the suspects of the violent art theft from our museum on 25 January 2025 begins at the court in Assen. During the robbery, the golden helmet of Coțofenești and three gold bracelets were stolen. The helmet and two of the three bracelets have since been recovered, and for this we are extremely grateful to the police and the public prosecution services in the Netherlands and Romania, as well as to other national and international investigative authorities.

However, we urgently appeal to those responsible for the theft: please return the third bracelet as well. This bracelet has great cultural and historical value, far exceeding its monetary worth.

In the coming days, the Public Prosecutor, the defence, and the judges will have their say. We will follow the proceedings with close attention. During the trial, a short statement will be made on behalf of the Drents Museum and our colleagues in Romania.