Construction workers renovating a building in Dendermonde, Belgium, uncovered gold bars and coins worth about 9 million euros, more than 65 million Danish kroner. Police have removed the gold, and the East Flanders public prosecutor is investigating its origin.
The find was made during renovation work on an older property in Dendermonde in East Flanders, around 30 kilometers northwest of Brussels. DR reports that the workers began finding gold coins and bars as the work progressed, citing Belgian public broadcaster VRT.
According to VRT NWS, an 18-year-old on a summer job first spotted gold coins, then a lump of gold. The teenager told the broadcaster that it became clear at that point the find was something bigger. The person responsible for the renovation was called in, after which gold bars also appeared.
The total value was put at 9 million euros, DR writes, citing VRT. The building is owned by a welfare organization, and all the gold has since been removed from the premises. Local police in Dendermonde have warned treasure hunters against trying to enter the building to look for anything overlooked.
Regional outlet TV Oost reports that the discovery was made by workers from the construction firm De Brandt at a building belonging to CAW Oost-Vlaanderen in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde. The public prosecutor’s office has confirmed the approximate value of 9 million euros. Prosecutor Hanne Ollevier stated that it is not known where the gold comes from or who legally owns it.
Dutch broadcaster NOS reports that the chest was walled into a cellar of a former brewer’s house dating from around 1900. Early estimates cited by NOS put the hoard at at least 4,000 coins and more than 40 gold bars. The organization’s director described the discovery as a once in a lifetime experience.
Investigation into the origin
Per VRT NWS, the East Flanders public prosecutor has opened an inquiry into how the gold ended up in the wall and who the lawful owner is. Investigators must also assess whether the gold was obtained or hidden illegally. Police seized the hoard and moved it to a secure storage location in Brussels, according to Pollar News.
DR writes, citing the BBC, that a possible owner has five years to come forward and claim the gold. If no owner is found, the value will be divided between the building’s owner and the finders. That outcome depends on the gold not being linked to criminal activity.
Spanish-language coverage by Infobae, based on EFE, reports that CAW intends to use any proceeds for shelters and social services for homeless people, should the treasure be awarded to the organization. The same report notes that prosecutors are also examining the period the pieces date from. Similar finds have drawn attention in Denmark, including gold-covered spears found at an ancient Danish spring.
