Romania and the Netherlands have created a joint investigative team to investigate the theft of artifacts

This was reported by Ukrinform with reference to Eurojust.

“The judicial and law enforcement authorities of Romania and the Netherlands have established a special Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the theft of four valuable historical Romanian artifacts from the Dutch Drenthe Museum last month. The JIT was established with the active support of Eurojust, which will provide operational, logistical and legal assistance to investigators in this case,” the report says.

Four Romanian cultural heritage items, including the golden Cotsofenești helmet, were reportedly stolen from a museum in Assen in the northern Netherlands in the early hours of Saturday, January 25. The thieves gained access to the Drenthe museum by blowing up the door to steal the helmet and three ancient gold bracelets, which were on display at the National Museum of Romania. Three suspects were arrested in the Netherlands and are currently in custody.

At the request of the Romanian authorities, Eurojust organised a coordination meeting at its premises within the first week after the museum robbery to discuss the follow-up to the theft of cultural property and to ensure cooperation between the investigators involved. A dedicated Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was set up to further and closer cooperation between Romania and the Netherlands.

The JIT not only facilitates closer cooperation in specific cases, but also ensures a faster and smoother exchange of information between the authorities involved. Due to the ongoing investigation, Eurojust will not be able to provide any further information at this stage.

Photo: RTV Drenthe