Dutch art detective Arthur Brand confirmed the recovery of the priceless 2,500-year-old Helmet of Coțofenești, stolen from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands last year. Prosecutors are expected to make an official announcement Thursday.
The helmet, considered a national treasure in Romania, was stolen in January 2025 when robbers used fireworks to break into the museum and smashed display cases. The theft sparked outrage and the Dutch government had earmarked 5.7 million euros for a potential payout.
Arthur Brand, nicknamed the 'Indiana Jones of the Art World,' has a history of high-profile recoveries, including stolen Van Gogh paintings, a Brueghel work, and sculptures known as 'Hitler's Horses.' He operates as a broker between the world of law enforcement and collectors and the criminal underworld.