Builders renovating a property in Dendermonde, Belgium, were astonished to uncover a hoard of gold bars and coins estimated to be worth £7.6 million (€9 million) hidden within the building's walls. The discovery occurred as workers drilled into the foundations to install new sewage pipes, unearthing a fortune that has since been handed over to police.
The find was made by a crew that included 18-year-old student Kobe, who was working a summer job. Initially, Kobe thought the coins were ordinary €1 pieces, but his perspective changed when he spotted what appeared to be a gold nugget among them. Speaking to Belgian broadcaster VRT, Kobe described the moment: 'Our first reaction was actually disbelief, amazement. At first I thought they were €1 coins. But then we also saw a gold nugget lying there. That's when we realised it was something bigger.'
Discovery and Initial Reactions
The property, located in East Flanders, is owned by welfare organisation CAW Oost-Vlaanderen. The organisation's director, Geert Hillaert, expressed his reaction as 'surprise and amazement' and voiced hope that the treasure could eventually help fund the charity's work, addressing the 'enormous need we experience daily.' However, the question of who will ultimately claim the fortune remains unresolved and could take years to settle.
Site manager Mario, who was part of the team, noted the sheer scale of the discovery: 'There are so many coins and bars – it would be almost impossible. Besides, that would be theft.' Kobe echoed this sentiment, adding, '€9 million – you simply can't keep that hidden.' The crew's decision to hand over the haul to police was immediate, avoiding any temptation to keep the find.
Legal Implications and Ownership Dispute
The local prosecutor has launched an investigation to trace the origin of the gold and identify its rightful owner. Under Belgian law, the original owner has five years to come forward and claim the treasure. If no one steps forward within that period, the find is typically divided between the finder and the property owner. In this case, that could mean a significant windfall for the builders and the charity, unless the gold is linked to criminal activity, in which case different rules would apply.
Police have cautioned would-be treasure hunters to stay away from the construction site, emphasising that it has already been thoroughly searched and the gold has been moved to a secure location. The investigation is ongoing, and the future of the hoard remains uncertain.
Broader Context and Next Steps
This discovery adds to a series of notable finds in Belgium, but the legal process ensures that the outcome is far from immediate. The builders, who were simply carrying out renovation work, have become part of a story that could take years to resolve. For now, the gold sits in safekeeping while authorities work to determine its provenance.
The case highlights the complexities of treasure laws, balancing the rights of finders, property owners, and potential original owners. As the investigation proceeds, the charity CAW Oost-Vlaanderen waits to see if the discovery will ultimately support its mission, while the builders await a possible share of the fortune if no owner emerges within the statutory period.
