Builders renovating a property were stunned after discovering gold worth an estimated £7.6 million hidden inside its walls. The haul of gold bars and coins was uncovered as workers drilled into the foundations of the building in Dendermonde, Belgium, while installing new sewage pipes.
Discovery during renovation
Among the crew was 18-year-old student Kobe, who was working a summer job. He initially thought the coins were ordinary €1 pieces before spotting what appeared to be a gold nugget. Kobe told Belgian broadcaster VRT: '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.'
The haul, reportedly worth around €9 million (£7.6 million), was handed to police. Site manager Mario said: 'There are so many coins and bars – it would be almost impossible. Besides, that would be theft.' Kobe added: '€9 million – you simply can’t keep that hidden.'
Property owned by welfare organisation
The property in East Flanders is owned by welfare organisation CAW Oost-Vlaanderen. Director Geert Hillaert said his reaction was 'surprise and amazement' and hopes the treasure could eventually help fund the charity’s work and meet the 'enormous need we experience daily'. But exactly who will end up with the fortune could take years to establish.
Investigation and legal process
The local prosecutor has launched an investigation to discover where the gold came from and identify its rightful owner. Under Belgian law, an owner has five years to come forward and claim the treasure. If nobody does, hidden treasure found on someone else’s property can be divided between the finder and the property owner – potentially leaving the builders and charity in line for a huge windfall. However, that would not apply if the gold is found to be linked to criminal activity.
Police have warned would-be treasure hunters to stay away from the construction site, saying it has already been thoroughly searched and the gold moved to a secure location.
