Home » 3 Arrested in Netherlands Museum Heist, Golden Helmet Stolen

3 Arrested in Netherlands Museum Heist, Golden Helmet Stolen

Thieves targeted ancient artifacts, including a rare golden helmet

by Amelia Crawford

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the daring heist at the Drents Museum in Assen, the Netherlands, which took place over the weekend. Among the stolen items was the valuable Cotofenesti Helmet, a solid-gold artifact dating back to the fifth century B.C., and other priceless treasures.

The suspects were apprehended in Heerhugowaard, a city located about 30 miles north of Amsterdam. Two of the arrested men, identified as Douglas Chesley Wendersteyt and Bernhard Zeeman, are from Heerhugowaard. A third suspect, a woman from the same area, was also taken into custody, though her identity has not been revealed.

Despite conducting extensive searches at homes in Heerhugowaard, authorities have yet to recover the stolen items. The police are also seeking a fourth suspect and have released images of a man they believe was involved in the robbery. Surveillance footage captured at the scene of the crime showed three hooded figures attempting to break into the museum, eventually detonating an explosion to gain access.

The stolen artifacts included three golden bracelets and the Cotofenesti Helmet, which features intricate scenes from ancient rituals, including a lamb sacrifice. The helmet, weighing just over two pounds, is a significant cultural artifact from the ancient Dacians, known for their role in the Balkan region’s history. It was part of a traveling exhibition organized by the National History Museum of Romania, and had been on display at the Drents Museum since July 2024.

Romanian officials have emphasized the immense cultural value of the stolen pieces, which they describe as “incalculable.” In response to the heist, Romania’s culture minister announced the dismissal of the National History Museum’s general director, following his refusal to resign.

The Dutch authorities have made significant progress in the investigation, with police gathering information from surveillance footage and tips from the public. While the stolen artifacts have not yet been recovered, the Drents Museum expressed optimism regarding the arrests, with hopes that the items will eventually be returned.

The Drents Museum’s director, Harry Tupan, expressed his shock over the crime, calling it “a dark day” for both the museum and the National History Museum of Romania, which has collaborated on the exhibition. The theft is considered one of the most significant incidents in the museum’s 170-year history.

As the investigation continues, Dutch police remain focused on recovering the stolen artifacts, which hold immeasurable cultural and historical importance to both Romania and the broader art world.

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