Construction workers renovating a house in eastern Flanders, Belgium, accidentally discovered a hidden treasure containing gold bars and coins while excavating to install new sewage pipes. The treasure is estimated to be worth approximately €9 million.
The discovery was made earlier this week while work was being carried out on the building’s foundation. Among the workers was an 18-year-old named Kobe, who was working there as part of a summer job. Speaking to Belgium’s public broadcaster, he said their initial reaction was one of “disbelief and astonishment.”
Kobe explained that at first, he thought the coins they had found were one-euro coins. However, after they came across a piece of raw gold, they realized they had discovered something far more valuable. The workers soon notified the police, and local authorities launched an investigation into the origin and ownership of the treasure.
Mario, the project manager overseeing the renovation, said the quantity of coins and gold bars was so large that it would be practically impossible for them to keep the treasure themselves. He stressed that concealing such a valuable find could constitute theft. Kobe likewise said that, given the estimated value of around €9 million, it would be extremely difficult to keep such a discovery secret.
The property is currently owned by a social and welfare services organization in the city of Dendermonde. Geert Hillaert, the organization’s director, said his first reaction was also one of surprise and astonishment. He expressed hope that, if the treasure is ultimately awarded to the organization, the proceeds could be used to support its charitable activities and meet the growing needs of the local community.
Following the discovery, local police thoroughly searched the site and transferred the gold to a secure location. Police also urged members of the public not to visit the construction site in search of additional treasures. Authorities said the necessary searches at the location had already been completed.
The most important question now is who legally owns the treasure. Under Belgian law, the original owner of a hidden treasure has five years to come forward and claim it. However, the local prosecutor overseeing the investigation says it is not yet known who the gold belonged to or why it was hidden at the site.
If the owner cannot be identified within that period, Belgian civil law provides specific rules governing such discoveries. If a treasure is found on property belonging to someone else, and the relevant legal conditions are met, its value may be divided between the person who discovered it and the owner of the property.
However, the application of these provisions depends on establishing that the treasure was not connected to criminal activity. For this reason, judicial authorities will continue investigating its origins before any decision is made regarding ownership or the eventual fate of the gold.
For now, the workers and the property owner face a wait of 1,823 days to determine whether an individual or individuals will come forward to claim the €9 million treasure. Until then, the ultimate fate of the remarkable discovery remains uncertain.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
