The theft of four Romanian gold treasures from the Drents Museum two weeks ago could cost the Dutch state 5.8 million euros if the artifacts are not recovered.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science confirmed the information, as reported by RTV Drenthe.
The Drents Museum in Assen insured the Golden Helmet and the three borrowed bracelets from Romania for 5.8 million euros. The entire collection of 673 objects is insured for over 30 million euros.
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The Dutch government guaranteed just over 9 million euros of this amount. This means that in case of theft, loss, or damage, the government is partially responsible and must pay the damages. Only if the value of the losses exceeds the government's guarantee will the museum's insurance come into play.
If the Romanian treasures are recovered damaged, the government will also cover these costs.
The government's assumption of a part in case of damage or theft means that museums have to pay less for insurance, allowing them to organize exhibitions at more affordable prices. In the case of the Drents Museum, it saved between 25 and 30% on premiums for this exhibition, according to the broadcaster.
"This makes it possible for museums to present this type of objects and beautiful exhibitions to the public," said Minister Eppo Bruins of Education, Culture, and Science in a previous statement to the broadcaster. "Otherwise, it is inaccessible to museums."
According to RTV Drenthe, this will be the first time the government will have to pay such large damages since it began assuming such risks in 1989. So far, the Netherlands has paid a total of 8,000 euros in damages for artworks. Last year, the government guaranteed nearly 469 million euros in artworks lent to 13 museums.
Three suspects arrested
Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the robbery at the Drents Museum. A fourth suspect is still at large. The police are working with dozens of detectives and specialists and have given top priority to finding the Romanian treasures.
An unusual action is that the police have made public the photos and full names of two of the already detained suspects, in the hope that it will help them find the stolen artifacts. So far, with no results. According to the police, the photos were released because the suspects refused to disclose the whereabouts of the stolen artifacts.
All three suspects, two men and a woman, are still in custody.
According to Arthur Brand, known for recovering stolen or lost paintings and artifacts in the past, there is a 50% risk that the thieves have already melted down these nearly pure gold treasures. The fact that the police quickly arrested the suspects gives him hope that they did not have time, but their refusal to tell the police where the artifacts are located is worrisome.
"The suspects are not saying anything. You would expect them to maybe start talking now, so there is a chance that they no longer exist," Brand said on the television show "Eve" earlier this week.