2 days Ago
The first public court session against two of the main suspects, Bernhard Z. (35) and Douglas Chesley W.
(36), both from Heerhugowaard, took place on Friday. A third suspect, Jan B. (20), also from Heerhugowaard, has claimed that Douglas Chesley W.
was the mastermind behind the theft at the museum in Assen. The court ordered that both Z. and W.
remain in pre-trial detention for at least another 90 days.
How the Heist Unfolded
The robbery occurred on 25 January 2025. The suspects used a firework bomb to break into the museum and steal the artifacts. Jan B.
was arrested later than the other two as undercover agents were used to gather information from him regarding the location of the stolen items. He reportedly confessed to participating in the heist alongside W. and Z.
, and stated that W. planned the operation and hid the treasures afterward with the intention of selling them.
According to prosecutors, there is significant evidence tying the suspects to the crime. DNA found on clothing left in a garbage container in Assen matched multiple suspects. The same clothes also contained glass fragments believed to be from the museum's shattered entrance and display cases.
Furthermore, Jan B. was caught on video purchasing a sledgehammer and a dead-blow hammer, both used during the theft.
Investigation Still Active
So far, none of the suspects have made official statements to the police. Prosecutors noted that while staying silent is within their rights, the consequences could be severe if the stolen treasures are not returned.
Authorities have warned that they may seek the full insurance value of the stolen items from the suspects — a cost that could leave them deeply in debt for life.
In total, seven individuals are suspected of involvement in the theft.
While three remain in custody, four others who allegedly played supporting roles have been released but are still under investigation.
The next hearing is scheduled for 30 July, where the court will publicly examine the suspicions against Jan B.
for the first time. He was ordered earlier this week to remain in custody for 90 days.
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