Builders unearth €9m gold loot sealed in walls of Belgian property

An 18-year-old Belgian student working on a construction site near Dendermonde uncovered a cache of gold valued at approximately €9 million during routine excavation work for a new sewer system. The discovery was made on Tuesday at the site of a historic villa located on Van Langenhovestraat in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, roughly 30 kilometers northwest of Brussels. The student, whose name has not been disclosed publicly, was assisting with trench digging when he noticed unusual objects buried within a bricked-in section of a cellar wall beneath the grand villa. The hoard contained a mix of gold coins, nuggets, and numbered bullion bars, all stored inside a single bag. According to the student, initially mistaken for €1 coins, the items were found in a concealed compartment that had been intentionally walled off rather than secured in a traditional safe. The villa, originally constructed for Theophilus Van Assche, a prominent figure associated with the brewery that operated on the site from 1899 until 1970, is undergoing complete renovation by the social welfare organization CAW Oost-Vlaanderen. The project aims to convert the structure into new offices and housing units. The discovery prompted immediate action from the workers, who contacted both the local police and CAW Oost-Vlaanderen upon realizing the significance of their find. Authorities have since secured the treasure at a facility in Brussels, where it awaits a thorough investigation to determine its legal status and rightful ownership. The process involves verifying whether the gold originated from legitimate sources or was connected to any form of criminal activity. Geert Hillaert, representing CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, expressed initial shock at the discovery, describing it as both surprising and astonishing. He noted that the organization hopes the treasure might ultimately benefit its charitable endeavors, given the pressing needs faced by the community in Dendermonde. Meanwhile, local police have issued warnings against unauthorized visits to the construction site, emphasizing the importance of allowing proper legal procedures to unfold. Under Belgian law, individuals who uncover hidden treasures must wait a minimum of five years before the item can be legally claimed by anyone who might have a valid interest in it. This period allows time for potential heirs or rightful owners, such as descendants of Theophilus Van Assche or even the current property holders, to come forward. However, if no claims are made within that timeframe, the treasure would be subject to division between the finder and the property owner, assuming it is determined not to be illicit in origin. Piet Buyse, a former mayor of Dendermonde, speculated that the Van Assche family might have chosen to store part of their wealth in gold as a safeguard, potentially hiding it in a secure location. The student, reflecting on the situation, acknowledged the gravity of the discovery, stating that the sheer magnitude of the find made it clear that retaining the treasure personally was not feasible. He suggested that a finder’s reward might be possible in the future, though this remains speculative. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on determining the legal fate of the gold. The local prosecutor has initiated formal proceedings to assess the origins of the treasure, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws. Until then, the gold remains in secure custody, awaiting resolution of its rightful ownership. The case highlights the unpredictable nature of historical discoveries and the intricate legal frameworks designed to address such situations.