Three arrested over theft of ancient Romanian helmet from Dutch museum

Dutch police have arrested three suspects in connection with the dramatic theft of a priceless ancient golden helmet that is considered a cultural icon of Romania and had been on display in a small museum in the Netherlands.

However, the intricate helmet, dating back approximately 2,500 years, remains missing.

The theft, which also included three golden wristbands, sent shockwaves through the arka world and devastated Romanian authorities, who had entrusted the artefacts to a country known for its high museum security.

Dutch police said in a statement that the suspects were being interrogated and “more arrests are not excluded.” They did not elaborate. The news offered a glimmer of hope to the Drents Museum, which has faced criticism – particularly from Romania – for allegedly lacking adequate security.

“We are awaiting further developments with bated breath. The recovery without damage would be, for all, a fantastic next step. Not only for us, but also for the Romanian population,” the museum said in a statement.

The Cotofenesti helmet is one Romania’s most revered national treasures from the Dacia civilisation. It was on display on the final weekend of a six-month stint when it was stolen.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis called the artefacts of “exceptional cultural and historical importance” for Romanian heritage and identity, and that their disappearance had “a strong emotional and symbolic impact on society.”

It was a heist that “even in our most pessimistic dreams, we would not have believed possible,” said the director of Romania’s National History Museum, Ernest Oberlander-Tarnoveanu.

The helmet’s fame and dramatic studded appearance mean it could never easily be sold, raising fears the thieves were after the gold itself. But melting it would reduce the treasure’s cultural and historical value. Gold stands at about 85,000 euros ($89,000) per kilo, and the helmet is estimated to weigh slightly less than that.