Builders uncover €9m gold loot in Belgian property walls
During a routine renovation of a historic house in east Flanders, a team of builders stumbled upon a hidden stash of gold bars and coins sealed into the cellar walls. The hoard is estimated by experts to be worth around €9 million (£7.6 million).
The discovery took place while workers were drilling to lay new sewage pipes. One of the workers, a 18‑year‑old named Kobe, described the moment as "amazement"—he first thought the objects were ordinary coins before spotting a golden nugget.
Following the find, the builders immediately notified the local police and the charity that owns the premises, CAW Oost‑Vlaanderen. The charity, which oversees welfare support for the Dendermonde community, expressed hope that the treasure could aid its mission.
Belgian law stipulates that the rightful owner must claim the bounty within five years. If no claimant emerges, the treasure is divided between the finder and the property owner, provided it is not linked to criminal activity. The current investigation will decide who ultimately receives the loot.
Police have reassured the public that the site is secured and cautioned against trespassing. The officers even updated their Facebook profile picture to an image of a gold coin to commemorate the find.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the city of Dendermonde watches closely, eager to see whether history will bless the community or remain untouched in a vault beneath the floorboards.
