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Cotofenesti Helmet and Two Dacian Armbands Recovered in Dutch–Romanian Operation

Prosecutors used negotiated agreements with the defense to secure the handover.

Overview

  • Prosecutors presented the 2,500-year-old Cotofenesti helmet and two Dacian armbands at the Drents Museum on Thursday.
  • The items were returned after procesafspraken, a plea-style deal with defense lawyers, with any sentencing impact to be addressed in court later in April.
  • One armband is still missing and the three main suspects, Jan B., Douglas Chesley W., and Bernhard Z., remain in custody ahead of hearings on April 14, 16 and 17.
  • Museum experts said the helmet is slightly dented and an old repair has come loose but can be restored, while the two armbands are in perfect condition.
  • The artifacts left Assen under armed police escort for return to Romania, and Romanian prosecutors credited a year-long joint team with Dutch authorities for the breakthrough.