Builders discover Gold hoard worth €9 million hidden inside Belgian house
Construction workers renovating a property in Belgium have made an extraordinary discovery after uncovering a large collection of gold bars and coins estimated to be worth around €9 million, or approximately Rs2.89 billion. The valuable hoard was reportedly hidden inside the walls of a cellar at a house in East Flanders.
According to Belgian media reports, the workers discovered the treasure earlier this week while carrying out renovation work on the property. They were drilling into the building as part of preparations to install new sewage pipes when they unexpectedly came across the hidden collection.
The discovery immediately attracted attention because of its enormous value and raised an unusual legal question: who will eventually be entitled to the gold? Both the construction workers who found the treasure and the charity that owns the property could potentially have a claim, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Police have launched an inquiry into the discovery and have warned members of the public to stay away from the construction site. Authorities said the property had effectively been searched and disturbed after news of the discovery spread. The gold has since been removed from the building and placed in a secure location while officials investigate its origin and ownership.
The workers reportedly found the treasure while carrying out work around the foundations of the house. Among those involved was an 18-year-old student named Kobe, who was working a summer job at the construction site.
Speaking to Belgian public broadcaster . He described the moment as one of disbelief and excitement. He initially thought some of the objects they had uncovered might simply be ordinary €1 coins. However, when the workers noticed what appeared to be a gold nugget among the items, they realised they had discovered something far more valuable.
The workers quickly contacted police rather than attempting to take the treasure for themselves. Site manager Mario explained that the sheer quantity of gold made it impossible to secretly keep the discovery. He also acknowledged that taking it would amount to theft.
Kobe similarly said that an amount worth around €9 million could not realistically be hidden.
The property is currently owned by CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, an organisation that provides welfare and social support in the Dendermonde area, a Flemish community with a population of around 47,000 people.
CAW Oost-Vlaanderen director Geert Hillaert said the organisation was shocked and amazed by the discovery. He expressed hope that, if the charity eventually receives part of the treasure, the money could be used to help people in need and support its welfare programmes.
Police have appealed to the public not to visit the site in search of additional valuables. Authorities said they hoped the unusual discovery would eventually be placed in the hands of the rightful owner or used in a way that could benefit society.
Under Belgian law, a legitimate owner has up to five years to come forward and claim hidden treasure. Prosecutors are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the hoard, including whether it could be connected to criminal activity.
If no owner is identified, Belgian civil law may allow the treasure to be divided between the person who discovered it and the owner of the property. However, this rule applies only if authorities determine that the gold is not connected to a crime.
For now, the builders and the charity must wait while investigators determine who has the legal right to the extraordinary fortune. If no rightful owner appears within the five-year period, the discovery could transform an ordinary renovation project into a life-changing event.
