In brief
During a routine renovation in Dendermonde, Belgian builders discovered a €9m gold hoard sealed behind walls. The find has ignited legal questions about who should rightfully claim the treasure – the construction crew or the charity that owns the property. Local police have secured the loot and opened an investigation, appealing to the public not to search for more hidden gold. Under Belgian law the rightful owner must emerge within five years, or the treasure will be divided between the finder and the property owner if no claim is made. The story highlights how unexpected fortunes can emerge from everyday construction sites.
€9 m Gold Stash Found Inside Belgian Home
Renovation workers on a property in east Flanders discovered a sizeable hoard of gold bars and coins while drilling for new sewage lines. The loot is estimated at €9 million (£7.6 million) and was sealed into the walls of the cellar, according to local reports.
The builders immediately notified the police and the charity that owns the site, CAW Oost‑Vlaanderen. Both parties claim they have a right to the treasure, yet the police have kept the gold in a secure location and urged the public to stay away from the construction site.
“It was a shock – we thought we were drilling at a normal depth until we hit gold,” said Kobe, a 18‑year‑old summer worker. The find has sparked a legal debate, as Belgian law allows the property owner or the finder to claim a prize if no rightful owner emerges within five years.
If no claim is made, civil law states that the treasure will be shared between the finder and the property owner, provided there is no evidence of theft. Meanwhile, CAW’s director Geert Hillaert hopes the loot could support the charity’s social programmes.
Policemen have updated their social media to highlight the discovery, emphasizing that the gold will ultimately “make a difference” if placed in the right hands. The case showcases how hidden fortunes can surface during everyday construction work and the importance of clear legal pathways for handling found treasures.
