In brief
During a renovation in east Flanders, Belgian builders stumbled upon a hidden stash of gold bars and coins, worth an estimated €9 million, sealed into a cellar’s walls. Reported to police, the find belongs to CAW Oost‑Vlaanderen, a welfare charity, and both the builders and the charity now await legal clarification on who retains title. Belgian law allows the rightful owner five years to claim the hoard, after which a split between finder and property owner is possible, unless linked to criminal activity. Police moved the treasure to secure storage, warning the public against trespassing. The find could ultimately fund humanitarian work or become a state asset.
During a renovation project in east Flanders, Belgian builders discovered a hidden stash of gold bars and coins, worth an estimated €9 million, sealed into the walls of a cellar.
The discovery was made while drilling to lay new sewage pipes. The workers, including an 18‑year‑old student named Kobe, reported the find to local police immediately, dismissing the idea of keeping it.
Later it turned out the property belonged to CAW Oost‑Vlaanderen, a welfare charity in Dendermonde. Both the builders and the charity are now seeking legal clarification over who holds title to the treasure.
Under Belgian law, the rightful owner has five years to claim the hoard; if no claim is made, the treasure may be split between finder and property owner unless it is linked to criminal activity.
Police have moved the gold to secure storage and advise the public not to search the site for more treasure, citing safety and legal concerns.
Depending on the outcome, the hoard could eventually support humanitarian work or become a state asset.
