Police closely tracking suspects in explosive gold heist at Drents museum in Assen

Authorities are reportedly closing in on three suspects involved in a dramatic gold heist at the Drents Museum in Assen, where archaeological treasures were stolen on Saturday morning. The police have gathered enough evidence to track the suspects, and a team of 35 officers is leading the investigation. A possible fourth accomplice is also being investigated.

CCTV footage from the museum and the analysis of suspicious movements by visitors provided valuable leads. Authorities also tracked the suspects' movements after they crossed under a viaduct near Rolde along the N33 highway. Police are considering the possibility that the criminals fled to Germany.

During the heist, several priceless archaeological artifacts were taken, including the world-famous golden helmet of Cotofenesti, dating back approximately 2,500 years. The helmet, considered as valuable to Romanians as the Night Watch is to the Netherlands, was one of the stolen items. Three golden bracelets from around 50 B.C. were also taken. Sources close to the investigation confirmed the progress to De Telegraaf.

The police team includes tactical detectives, forensic specialists, and members of the national art crime unit. Investigators are in close contact with Romanian authorities, and there are concerns that Romanian criminals may be directly or indirectly involved in the theft. Stolen items could be used as trade currency or for ransom demands, authorities warned.

"Where are the stolen artifacts now?" remains a key question in the investigation, police said. "We are carefully analyzing all available evidence, and it could take some time before concrete leads emerge."

The heist has caused shock waves in the art world, especially in Romania, where the theft has made national headlines. Critics have raised concerns about the museum’s security and the decision to lend such priceless items to a relatively small institution.

Art detective Arthur Brand noted that while museums should not turn into fortresses, storing valuable pieces in a vault overnight might be a consideration. "Half of Romania is mourning the loss of the helmet," said Brand. "The value of the gold, based on what I know, is estimated between 60,000 and 80,000 euros. That is not worth the risk of a prison sentence."

Brand, known for his role in recovering stolen art, has called on the thieves to return the helmet, warning that melting it down for gold would destroy valuable cultural heritage. "If they melt the helmet down, the value becomes irrelevant, and the theft becomes even worse—destruction of irreplaceable cultural heritage," Brand said. "The police will not rest until they catch the criminals, especially if they destroy something so important."

So far, the police have received over fifty tips, though none have led to a breakthrough. Authorities continue to request the public's help in gathering any additional information or footage that may lead to identifying the thieves. The stolen artifacts were on loan from Romania’s National Historical Museum.