Romanian prosecutors are seeking a maximum sentence for Radu Dogaru, the man who admitted to stealing seven masterpieces from Rotterdam’s Kunsthal Museum on October 16, 2012. If Dogaru receives the maximum sentence for “aggravated theft,” he will spend 20 year in prison. The thief’s lawyer, Catalin Dancu, is hoping that Dogaru receives a “balanced sentence” of no more than 7 years. The verdict will be announced on November 26, 2013.  

Six Romanians, including Dogaru, are on trial over the theft, which left the world stunned earlier this year. Among the paintings stolen were masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Paul Gauguin and Claude Monet. The trove, which is estimate to be worth $24 million, has not be returned.

Many fear that Dogaru’s mother burned the paintings in order to protect her son. She initially admitted to destroying the works but later retracted her statement. Experts from Romania’s National History Museum retrieved ash from Dogaru’s stove that included the remains of three oil paintings and nails from frames used before the end of the 19th century. A separate investigation into the possible destruction of the artwork is ongoing.