Authorities confirm yellow Peugeot's role in Drents Museum art heist
Authorities have confirmed the involvement of a distinctive yellow Peugeot 208 in the art theft at the Drents Museum in Assen on January 25. The vehicle, which reportedly played a key role in the escape of the criminals, was located near the scene of the crime after being placed at Beilen railway station days before the heist, according to Dagblad van het Noorden.
According to the police, the car was a crucial part of the getaway after the thieves, who had previously stolen a gray Volkswagen Golf, set the car on fire in Rolde before switching to the bright yellow Peugeot. Police spokespersons confirmed the investigation into the car's use, stating, "There has indeed been extensive investigation into the yellow Peugeot."
The Peugeot 208 was reportedly rented by a 36-year-old man from Alkmaar, who, according to his defense lawyer, was unaware of its intended use in the heist. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, claims he was asked to rent the car for an unrelated purpose. "He was told to pick up items from Marktplaats in Hilversum, and later asked to arrange a vehicle for a move," said his lawyer, Hans Duin, to Dagblad van het Noorden. "He was told to drive to Beilen, where he left the car."
Police confirmed that after the car was left at Beilen, it was picked up by unknown individuals, who later abandoned it near the Grolloërstraat carpool area in Rolde, close to the N33 viaduct. Authorities had kept details of the yellow Peugeot’s involvement under wraps until now.
The suspect from Alkmaar was arrested on April 15 in connection with the heist and held in custody for nine days. However, he was released without charge, although he remains a suspect in the ongoing international investigation. Duin has maintained that his client had no knowledge of the art theft. "If he had known, he wouldn't have gotten involved," Duin emphasized, noting that his client only realized the connection between the car and the crime after seeing media coverage of the heist.
On the morning of January 25, at least three criminals broke into the Drents Museum, breaching a white façade before detonating an explosive to blow open a door. Within minutes, the thieves escaped with three golden artifacts: the golden helmet of Coțofenești and three golden bracelets, which were part of the Dacia exhibition.
The main suspects in the case are Douglas Chesley W., 36, and Bernhard Z., 35. Both were arrested shortly after the robbery, along with a 40-year-old woman, who was reportedly involved in the heist. Another suspect, a 26-year-old man from Heerhugowaard, was also apprehended in Obdam.
Duin claims that his client had no connection to these suspects. "He was shown photos of the individuals linked to the robbery, but he didn't recognize any of them," the lawyer said. "He does not know them."
Authorities have yet to release detailed information regarding the suspects' actions and connections. The prosecution has stated that they will not comment further until the pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 9 in Assen. At this session, the court will decide whether three of the seven detained suspects should remain in custody.
While the primary suspects face the most serious charges, the Alkmaar man, who rented the yellow Peugeot, remains under investigation for potential complicity. Duin stressed that his client was unaware of the criminal intent behind the vehicle’s use. "He only earned a small amount — the deposit for the rental car," Duin added. "He had no idea what it would ultimately be used for."
In the coming weeks, the main suspects, including Chesley W. and Z., are set to appear before the court. The court will also assess the continued detention of the remaining suspects, as authorities continue to piece together the full scope of the heist.
