Trial Begins for Suspects in 2,100-Year-Old Celtic Gold Heist

Four men face charges in the theft of a priceless gold treasure, with most of the collection still missing and fears some may be destroyed.

The trial opened in Ingolstadt for four suspects accused of stealing a 2,100-year-old Celtic gold hoard from the Manching Museum in November 2022.
The stolen treasure includes approximately 500 gold coins and a gold ingot, with an estimated market value of €1.5 million and incalculable historical significance.
Authorities allege the defendants, described as a long-active burglary gang, disabled the town's telecommunications to bypass the museum's alarm system and completed the heist in just nine minutes.
Investigators found evidence linking the suspects to the crime, including DNA traces and 18 gold lumps believed to be melted-down coins from the hoard.
The trial is expected to last until June, with hopes that the proceedings may uncover the whereabouts of the missing treasure, though some fear much of it has already been irreparably destroyed.