On June 5, 2026, three men were sentenced to 47 months in prison for stealing precious Romanian gold artifacts. The Northern Netherlands District Court announced the sentence, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.

The perpetrators used explosives to break into the museum during a night-time raid in January of the previous year. Security footage showed three individuals using a crowbar to open the museum’s entrance, followed by an explosion. The stolen items included an ornate Romanian gold helmet and bracelets, significant relics of the Dacia civilization, on loan to the Drents Museum for an exhibition.

The theft was declared by the museum’s director as a “dark day” for the institution. Cornel Constantin Ilie, interim director of Bucharest’s National History Museum, highlighted the artifacts as “relics of our historical memory.” Two of the bracelets and the helmet were recovered earlier this year. A deal with two of the thieves facilitated the recovery in return for a reduced sentence. However, one bracelet remains missing.

According to museum officials, the bracelets returned in “perfect condition,” while the helmet suffered minor, almost unnoticeable damage. The artifacts, insured for approximately $6.6 million, are considered culturally invaluable, beyond mere monetary worth. They have been returned to Romania, underscoring their historical importance for both current and future generations.

Despite only two of the suspects aiding in the recovery, all three received reduced sentences. The court ruled they should all benefit from the return of the treasures.