Germany: Trial begins over failed robbery of Roman golden coins
One member of a three-man Dutch gang went on trial on Tuesday for the attempted theft of a collection of Roman gold coins from a German museum in 2019.
The 28-year-old defendant is facing charges of attempted
robbery and membership in a crime syndicate. His two accomplices are still on
the run, according to prosecutor Volker Blindert.
The group broke into the Rheinisches Landesmuseum (Rhineland
State Museum) in the western city of Trier — close to the Luxembourg border —
in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate on October 8, 2019.
Their aim was to steal a collection of over 2,500 solid gold
coins. The artifacts weigh 18.5 kilograms (41 pounds) and have been dated back
to the Roman era.
How the events unfolded
The gang got in via scaffolding, prizing open a window and
breaking through a heavy door with a sledgehammer. Two of the thieves went
inside while another stood guard.
The reinforced glass protecting the collection, however,
proved too much for the duo. They fled after the alarm went off and police
arrived on the scene.
With an estimated currency value of €10 million ($11.9
million) in today's standards, the collection is the pride of the museum. It is
believed to be the largest from the Roman imperial period.
The coins were discovered in the city during building works
in 1993. The ancient city of Trier is an important historical site for its
Roman remains. The collection is currently not on show while the museum
improves security.
Tracked down with DNA
The accused was arrested after police used DNA found at the
scene to track him down. Dutch authorities later deported him in line with a
European arrest warrant.
His lawyer said that the defendant had no intention to
respond in court, but that this could change.
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