Dutch brace to stump up millions for stolen Romanian treasures
Dutch brace to stump up millions for stolen Romanian treasures (Photo: AP)
The Dutch government has set aside 5.7 million euros for a likely payout following the brazen theft of an ancient Romanian pure-gold helmet from a museum in the Netherlands.
A spokesperson for the Dutch culture ministry told AFP on Friday the amount had been allocated as part of a scheme where the state partially guarantees valuable museum exhibitions.
The scheme aims to encourage museums to put on exhibitions of valuable artwork, knowing the state will stump up in the event of theft or damage.
In January, a gang of robbers used firework bombs to break into the Drents Museum in the northern Netherlands and smashed display cases once inside.
They made off with the 2,500-year-old golden Helmet of Cotofenesti and three gold bracelets.
The theft and the search for the booty regularly makes headline news in the Netherlands and sparked outrage in Romania, where the items are considered national treasures.
In this case, the state had guaranteed insurers that it would cover 5.7 million euros ($6.5 million) if the works were stolen.
"As a result of the insurance procedure, it is likely that the ministry will pay out in accordance with the indemnity scheme," the spokesperson, who declined to be named, told AFP.
Two suspects appeared in court earlier this month over the theft of the helmet, which prosecutors believe can still be found and has not been melted down.
by Taboola
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"Of course, we hope that the stolen treasures will be recovered, that is what all efforts are focused on," the culture ministry spokesperson said.
If the helmet and armbands are indeed recovered, the state will get back its money but could still be on the hook if there is damage.
Police have offered a reward of 100,000 euros for information leading to the helmet's recovery.
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