Construction workers in Dendermonde, Belgium, unearthed a hidden stash of gold valued at approximately €9 million ($10.4 million USD) while renovating a building owned by a local charity. The discovery occurred during groundwork for a sewer pipe installation in the cellar walls of the property, which belongs to CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, a welfare organization supporting residents of Dendermonde.
The 50 gold bars and coins were immediately secured by police in a high-security federal vault following the workers’ report. Belgian authorities confirmed the inventory process was completed without delay, and the site was cordoned off to prevent unauthorized access. A local police Facebook post warned treasure hunters to stay away, stating the area was fenced off and under investigation.
Under Belgian civil law, the hoard is currently held by CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, the property owner, pending a potential claim by the rightful owner. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the origin of the treasure, with a five-year window for claims to be filed. If no claimant emerges, the gold’s disposition remains undetermined under existing legal frameworks.
The construction crew, including an 18-year-old student worker identified as Kobe and site manager Mario, described their initial reaction as disbelief. Mario, with 33 years in construction, stated it was the first time he had encountered such a find. The workers emphasized their compliance with the law, noting that taking the gold would constitute theft.
Police confirmed the gold was bricked into the cellar walls during an earlier renovation phase, suggesting deliberate concealment. The exact origin of the hoard and its historical context remain under investigation, with no immediate leads on its rightful owner. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the investigation’s progress.
The discovery has drawn public attention, with local and international media highlighting the unexpected nature of the find. The case underscores the legal complexities surrounding unclaimed treasure in Belgium, where ownership disputes are resolved through civil proceedings rather than direct compensation to finders.