Dutch Police Arrest Three in Heist of Priceless Romanian Artifacts

The theft of a 2,500-year-old gold helmet and other artifacts from a Dutch museum has sparked outrage in Romania and fears over their potential destruction.

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of four ancient gold artifacts, including Romania's treasured Helmet of Cotofenesti, from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands.
The artifacts, on loan from Romania, were stolen during an early-morning heist involving explosives to breach the museum's doors, with the stolen items yet to be recovered.
The helmet, a 2,500-year-old ceremonial piece adorned with intricate mythological designs, holds immense cultural and historical significance for Romania and is considered irreplaceable.
Romanian officials, including the president and prime minister, have criticized the museum's security and announced investigations and potential legal actions, while fears grow that the artifacts may be melted down for their gold value.
Dutch authorities continue to search for the stolen items, appealing to the public for information and releasing images of additional suspects and evidence linked to the heist.