A 2,500-year-old golden helmet, considered one of Romania's greatest treasures, has been recovered more than a year after it was stolen during a raid on a Dutch museum. The helmet and two golden bracelets dating back to about 450BC were returned to the Drents Museum in Assen, secured behind a glass case with armed police guards. However, a third bracelet is still missing.
The theft of the Coțofenești helmet and bracelets by an armed gang caused outrage in Romania, prompting questions about the security of priceless artifacts loaned to foreign institutions. It's a long-awaited result, remarked Romanian prosecutor Daniela Buruiană, expressing satisfaction over the recovery.
The treasures, dating from the Dacian era, had been on loan when they were stolen, which led to a spat between the two governments, resulting in the Dutch government paying €5.7 million in insurance compensation. Romanian officials are currently withholding details on the fate of that compensation.
Robert van Langh, director of the Drents Museum, reported the helmet was slightly dented but could be restored, while the bracelets remained in perfect condition. Romanian prosecutor Rareș-Petru Stan praised Dutch authorities for their efforts and mentioned that investigations are ongoing to locate the final missing bracelet.
The suspects, who used explosives to break into the museum, were arrested shortly after the crime, but the stolen items were not found until recently. Art experts suggest that the helmet and bracelets were stolen to order, indicating a growing trend of high-value art heists in recent years amid inadequate security for valuable collections.
The theft of the Coțofenești helmet and bracelets by an armed gang caused outrage in Romania, prompting questions about the security of priceless artifacts loaned to foreign institutions. It's a long-awaited result, remarked Romanian prosecutor Daniela Buruiană, expressing satisfaction over the recovery.
The treasures, dating from the Dacian era, had been on loan when they were stolen, which led to a spat between the two governments, resulting in the Dutch government paying €5.7 million in insurance compensation. Romanian officials are currently withholding details on the fate of that compensation.
Robert van Langh, director of the Drents Museum, reported the helmet was slightly dented but could be restored, while the bracelets remained in perfect condition. Romanian prosecutor Rareș-Petru Stan praised Dutch authorities for their efforts and mentioned that investigations are ongoing to locate the final missing bracelet.
The suspects, who used explosives to break into the museum, were arrested shortly after the crime, but the stolen items were not found until recently. Art experts suggest that the helmet and bracelets were stolen to order, indicating a growing trend of high-value art heists in recent years amid inadequate security for valuable collections.
