Construction workers in Belgium stumbled upon a cache of gold worth approximately $10.4 million while working on a sewer project beneath a former brewery in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, a Flemish municipality near Brussels. The discovery occurred on Tuesday, when the team began excavating the site to install new piping. During the process, they unearthed a hidden collection of gold bars and coins, initially mistaken for ordinary currency. One of the workers, identified only as Kobe, an 18-year-old who did not provide a surname, described the moment of realization. At first, he believed the objects were one-euro coins arranged neatly. As the team continued their work, however, they realized the true nature of their find. “Of course, you don’t expect that when you’re just at work on a Tuesday morning,” Kobe told the local media, expressing both shock and disbelief. The gold included bars and coins spanning several decades, with the oldest marked dates dating back to 1957. Some of the bars predate the systematic marking of years on gold, according to Jan Van Cutsem, a gold dealer who analyzed the items. The coins, meanwhile, were largely British pounds, some of which dated back to the reign of Queen Victoria, which concluded in 1901. Following the discovery, the gold was handed over to Belgian federal authorities. Local police confirmed that the items were placed in a high-security federal government vault for safekeeping. The police department in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde issued a statement urging caution, noting that the site had been secured and that visitors should avoid approaching due to the presence of dangerous pits. The building where the gold was discovered belongs to the social work organization CAW East Flanders. The organization’s director, Geert Hillaert, expressed astonishment at the find, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. He stated that if the gold is ultimately assigned to his organization, it would be used to assist the homeless and other vulnerable groups within the Flemish community. The local prosecutor’s office is currently investigating the origins of the gold to determine its rightful owner. Under Belgian law, the individual or entity with legal title to the property must claim the gold within five years. The construction workers themselves have no claim to the treasure, as noted by Mario, the project leader. When asked whether he considered keeping the gold, Mario emphasized that the sheer volume of coins and bars made such an act impractical. He also pointed out that retaining the gold would constitute theft. Despite the legal restrictions, some members of the workforce remain hopeful. Kobe mentioned that he still believes there might be a finder’s fee available, though he acknowledged the slim chances. The police have not yet disclosed any information regarding potential rewards or compensation for the workers. The discovery has sparked widespread interest, with reports highlighting the historical significance of the find. The gold’s age and composition suggest a long history, possibly tied to periods of economic upheaval or personal wealth accumulation. The involvement of British pounds from the Victorian era adds another layer of complexity to the story, hinting at potential international connections. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on identifying the rightful heir or institution to the treasure. The Belgian government has pledged to ensure the gold is handled responsibly, with the ultimate goal of using it to benefit the community. Meanwhile, the site remains under strict security, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the integrity of the ongoing inquiry.
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