Prosecutors seek up to 66-month prison terms for Romanian gold stolen in museum heist

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has recommended prison sentences of up to 66 months for three suspects in the art theft from the Drents Museum in Assen in January last year. The highest sentence was sought for 35-year-old Bernhard Z., who did not enter into a deal with prosecutors. The other two suspects, Jan B. (21) and Douglas Chesley W. (37), did reach agreements with the OM, resulting in a lower recommendation of 44 months in prison for each of them. In return, they handed back most of the stolen artifacts, including the famous gold helmet of Coțofenești and two gold bracelets. One bracelet has still not been recovered.

For the OM, there is no reason not to reach an agreement with the two suspects. The OM says there is no indication that they have the third bracelet. The court raised several questions about this issue after the prosecution concluded its arguments.

The high-profile robbery occurred during the evening hours of January 24, leading into January 25 last year, when thieves used explosives to force open a museum door and smashed display cases with sledgehammers. Suspects W. and Z. were arrested shortly after the incident, while B. was taken into custody at the end of April following a covert police operation.

Despite an intensive investigation by police and prosecutors, the stolen artifacts initially remained missing. In October, the OM contacted the suspects’ lawyers to explore whether negotiations could lead to the recovery of the items.

This ultimately resulted in the return of the helmet and two bracelets on April 1. The OM has not disclosed where the objects were kept or how they were transferred, citing confidentiality agreements. “That will remain confidential,” the prosecutor said, adding that they could not provide further details due to the terms of the agreement.

Investigators were able to closely trace the suspects’ movements through forensic evidence, surveillance footage, intercepted communications, and mobile phone data. DNA was also discovered on discarded clothing, together with glass fragments linked to the museum.

The suspects have largely remained silent. B. did, however, make statements to undercover officers, including claims that the stolen artworks were still in the Netherlands and comments implicating his co-defendants. Suspect Z. denies participating in the robbery, saying he was only involved in its preparation. The prosecution disputes that account.

Media reports and insurance estimates place the value of the Coțofenești Gold Helmet at approximately 4.3 million euros. The combined insured value of the stolen Romanian artworks were estimated by insurance firm Aon as having a combined value of about 5.75 million euros, which was due to be covered by the Dutch government.

The entire collection of Dacia-era artifacts on loan from Romania carried an insurance value of 30 million euros. On behalf of the Dutch State, the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science agreed to be responsible for any theft or damage up to 9 million euros. Anything higher was to be covered by the Drents Museum’s own insurance.

The proceedings will resume on Thursday with the defense lawyers presenting their closing arguments.