Dozens of documents, some relating to the Dutch trading company VOC in the early 17th century that were stolen from the national archives 10 years ago have been recovered, the Telegraaf reported on Wednesday.
The items were apparently taken in 2015 by an archivist who used them as collateral for a loan. They were discovered in a cardboard box in an attic by a family member of the money lender, who contacted art detective Arthur Brand about the haul.
The collection includes a report on the founding of the VOC in 1602, featuring the first use of its official logo, as well as an account of a sea battle by admiral Michiel de Ruyter.
“I was totally shocked when the photos were sent to me,” Brand told broadcaster NOS. “These are top pieces, this is Unesco world heritage stuff.”
“These masterpieces, primarily from the 17th century, offer fascinating insights into events in Europe, India, Indonesia, South Africa, and Latin America,” Brand said on social media. “They include accounts of naval wars, negotiations at imperial courts, distant voyages to barely explored regions, and tales of knights.”
BREAKING: In cooperation with the Amsterdam police, I have returned 25 precious objects to the National Archives of the Netherlands, one of the most renowned archives in the world. Many of these items are part of UNESCO World Heritage and were stolen 10 years ago by an employee.… pic.twitter.com/3s9qfnATSy
— Arthur Brand (art detective) (@brand_arthur) July 9, 2025
The national archive has welcomed the return of the items, saying it had been aware some were missing but did not know how they had disappeared.
“The archive has 145 kilometres of documents and if something is not in its place, you don’t know if it has been lent, digitised or something else,” spokeswoman Evy Elschot said.
The box – bearing the logo of discount retailer Action – was found by a relative of the money lender who was clearing the attic of a sick family member, the Telegraaf said.
The archivist who handed over the documents as collateral has since died, meaning he cannot face legal action.
Brand has been involved in the recovery of a number of stolen works of art, including a painting by Vincent van Gogh, a centuries-old French reliquary supposed to contain the blood of Christ which was stolen in France and Oscar Wilde’s ring.