On 25 January 2025, thieves broke into the Drents Museum in Assen, the Netherlands, with explosives and stole golden artifacts in a total value of around €6 million.

[1] These, which include the Helmet of Coțofenești, with an estimated value of €4.3 million,[1] are irreplaceable archaeological treasures that represent the Dacian civilization, which thrived in present-day Romania before conquest by the Roman Empire in 106 AD.

The exhibition, which had never before been displayed internationally at this scale, included items such as ceremonial jewelry and religious objects dating back to the 2nd century BC.

[1] Security camera footage at the site later revealed three hooded people carrying a duffle bag, a crowbar and flashlights before the explosion.

The items stolen were part of the exhibition titled "Dacia: Empire of Gold and Silver", featuring archaeological treasures from museums across Romania that was scheduled to close on January 26.

Authorities are also investigating a vehicle (dark gray Volkswagen Golf) found burning on a nearby road, suspecting it may have been connected to the crime.

[14] Răzvan Pop, directory of Sibiu's ASTRA Museum wrote that the theft reignited interest of Romanians in their culture and heritage "for the first time in the last 20 years.