Builders uncover €9 million in gold sealed in Belgian cellar walls
What's next: Under Belgian law, the rightful owner has five years to claim the stash before any split between the finders and the charity owner.
Construction workers renovating a property in Dendermonde, Belgium, uncovered gold bars and coins reportedly worth about €9 million after drilling into cellar walls while laying sewage pipes. Police moved the haul to a secure federal vault and urged would-be treasure hunters to stay away from the fenced-off site.
The building belongs to CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, a welfare charity in East Flanders. Belgian media reported the cache was found earlier this week during foundation work. Workers told VRT they first mistook some of the pieces for €1 coins before realizing they had found something far more valuable.
A prosecutor opened an investigation to determine the gold's origin and ownership. If no lawful owner comes forward within five years, Belgian civil law could divide the treasure between the finders and the property owner, unless it is tied to criminal activity.