MOSCOW, August 13 (RAPSI) - Shortly before the start of proceedings against six Romanians in the case of a massive art heist involving the theft of works by Monet, Picasso, Gaugin, and others from a Dutch gallery, it was revealed that one of the defendants had offered to return five of the works in exchange for prosecution in the Netherlands, the AFP reported Tuesday.

The proceedings were opened Tuesday before being promptly adjourned until September 10, reportedly to provide more time for consideration of legal issues.

In all, the heist was allegedly carried out over the course of less than three minutes in Rotterdam's Kunsthal Museum. Prosecutors reportedly allege that the loot totaled EUR 18 million, whereas art experts initially claimed that they could be worth as much as EUR 100 million.

The AFP quoted the indictment as having stated, "The theft was carried out according to a meticulous plan." The indictment then reportedly added, "the two responsible for the raid were Radu Dogaru, who was also the leader and the organiser of the criminal gang, and Adrian Procop."

Dogaru is reportedly being investigated for human trafficking and murder as well.

Dogaru's mother initially told police that she had burned all of the paintings in a stove in a bid to destroy the evidence, but later denied the claim.
On Tuesday, the AFP reported that one of the defense attorneys had revealed that his client offered to return five of the works of art in a bid to be tried in the Netherlands, rather than Romania, as the former reportedly carries a lighter sentence for theft.

Attorney Catalin Dancu was quoted by the AFP as having explained, “Radu Dogaru tried to make a deal with the (Dutch) prosecutors.”

Citing local news source Agerpres, Reuters likewise quoted another defense attorney, Maria Vasii, as having stated: "Our clients have informed us the paintings were not burned and documents we have make us believe them… Our clients are waiting for the correct trial framework to take all steps needed to surrender these paintings to Dutch authorities.”