Authorities are intensifying their investigation into the audacious theft of Romanian artifacts from the Drents Museum in Assen, focusing on a bright yellow Peugeot 208 believed to have been used in the thieves' escape. The vehicle was rented by a 36-year-old man from Alkmaar, who was arrested on April 15 in connection with the robbery. Held in custody for nine days, he has since been released but remains a suspect in the ongoing international inquiry, according to Mediafax.
The daring heist took place on January 25, when thieves broke into the Drents Museum and within minutes escaped with three gold artifacts. The stolen items include the Coțofenești Helmet and three gold bracelets, treasures from Romania's ancient Dacian culture and part of the exhibition Dacia – The Empire of Silver and Gold. The artifacts, which hold historical value for Romania, are insured for €5.8 million. If they are not recovered, the Dutch government could face a compensation claim.
The suspect's lawyer, Hans Duin, asserts that his client was unaware that the car would be used in the heist. "He was told to pick up items from Marktplaats in Hilversum, and later he was asked to arrange a vehicle for a move," said Duin, according to Mediafax. Duin emphasized his client's innocence, stating, "If he had known, he wouldn't have gotten involved." The man reportedly realized the connection between the car and the crime only after he saw media coverage of the theft.
Police confirmed that after the yellow Peugeot was parked at Beilen station, it was taken by unknown individuals and later abandoned near the Grolloërstraat carpool area in Rolde, close to the N33 viaduct. "Indeed, there has been an extensive investigation regarding the yellow Peugeot," authorities stated. So far, officials have kept silent on further details regarding the vehicle's involvement.
Another suspect, a 26-year-old man from Heerhugowaard, was also detained in Obdam in connection with the robbery. The main suspects named in the investigation are Douglas Chesley W., 36, and Bernhard Z., 35, although their specific roles in the theft have not been disclosed. A 40-year-old woman is also believed to have been involved and was arrested shortly after the heist.
According to police, the yellow Peugeot played a crucial role in the thieves' escape plan. The perpetrators initially stole a gray Volkswagen Golf, which they set on fire in Rolde before switching to the yellow Peugeot. The burnt vehicle was found near the Grolloërstraat carpool area in Rolde.
The suspect from Alkmaar maintains through his lawyer that he was manipulated into renting the car and had no knowledge of the planned robbery. "The man says he knew nothing about the art theft and that he was abused," Duin conveyed. The lawyer insists that his client was acting under the impression that he was assisting with a legitimate task and had no reason to suspect any criminal activity.
Despite the arrests, the stolen artifacts remain missing, and authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information that could assist in their recovery. The international investigation involves close cooperation between Dutch and Romanian law enforcement agencies, aiming to track down the artifacts and bring those responsible to justice.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.