Priceless relics from a renowned museum were stolen in a daring heist from another country. Watch the shocking footage of the crime.

One of the most famous museums in the world was robbed in the Netherlands, and the thieves made off with golden masterpieces that belong to another country. The police have revealed details about the robbery and the relics that have vanished.

What is known about the robbery and which golden items went missing is discussed by RBC-Ukraine (Styler project) referencing a report from the Dutch police.

What was stolen from the museum

On Sunday, January 26, the Drenthe Museum in Assen, Netherlands, was audaciously robbed. The police received a call reporting an explosion.

It turned out that the thieves gained access to the museum by breaking down doors with explosives. Several golden masterpieces were stolen from the museum: a 2,500-year-old helmet from Cotofenesti and three Dacian bracelets.

These golden relics were part of an exhibition about the ancient kingdom of Dacia, which was located in present-day Romania. The artifacts were loaned to the Drenthe Museum and belong to the National Museum of Romanian History in Bucharest.

It is worth noting that for Romanians, the Cotofenesti helmet is one of the most culturally and historically significant artifacts, even depicted in history textbooks.

What the police say

The museum building was damaged as a result of the explosion, and the actions of the robbers were captured on surveillance camera footage. Currently, it is known that no one was injured as a result of the explosion.

The police are conducting interviews, forensic examinations, and reviewing all data from nearby cameras. Investigators are trying to track not only the suspects but also the stolen masterpieces.

There are several suspects at the moment, and the police are also investigating a suspicious car fire that occurred on the same night as the museum robbery. It is likely that the thieves changed vehicles to cover their tracks and burned the unnecessary car.

The investigative team has also called for assistance from Interpol, as the relics need to be found very quickly. There are concerns that the golden treasures may be melted down.

“Art detective” and historian Arthur Brand, who found Van Gogh's painting "Pastoral Garden in Nuenen" worth £4.7 million, noted that robberies involving explosives are becoming more common.

“Thieves have realized that this method works. The sky is the limit, and the gates are wide open. This raises deep concerns on all fronts. It is a nightmare scenario for any museum. Paintings are often stolen with the intention of selling or returning them later. But gold is stolen to be melted down. For Romania, this is a disaster. This collection was a significant national treasure,” he said.

What is known about the Drenthe Museum

The Drenthe Museum is one of the most renowned cultural institutions in the Netherlands, located in the city of Assen. It serves as an important center for cultural heritage in the region, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world.

The museum opened in 1854 as the Royal Provincial Archaeological Museum. Its main collections focus on history, art, and archaeology. It is particularly known for its exhibits related to ancient history, including archaeological finds from Bronze and Iron Age burial mounds.

International exhibitions are regularly organized here, showcasing unique artifacts from around the globe. The Drenthe Museum gained fame for the so-called "bog bodies" - naturally preserved mummies found in Europe's peat bogs. The most famous of these is the "Iberian Man."

Previously, we reported that scientists showcased Scythian gold jewelry found near Zaporizhzhia.

We also discussed the 5 largest heists worth millions of dollars.