Overview
- Dutch prosecutors unveiled the Coțofenești helmet in Assen on Thursday, confirming the recovery along with two of three stolen Dacian gold bracelets.
- Investigators said thieves blasted into the Drents Museum in January 2025 using a homemade explosive with tools like a sledgehammer and crowbar.
- Prosecutors said the handover followed negotiations with three arrested suspects, with tactics reported to include a promised sentence cut and an undercover €400,000 cash offer.
- Museum director Robert van Langh said the helmet has a small dent that can be fully restored and that the two bracelets are in perfect condition.
- Romanian officials hailed the return and await the still-missing bracelet, while a Dutch €5.7 million compensation payout remains on the table and the suspects face trial later in April.