**Builders Uncover €9 Million Gold Hoard in Belgian Property Renovation**
In a remarkable discovery, builders renovating a property in Dendermonde, Belgium, have unearthed a hidden stash of gold valued at approximately €9 million (£7.6 million). The treasure, consisting of gold bars and coins, was found sealed within the walls of the cellar while the construction crew was drilling to lay new sewage pipes earlier this week.
The discovery has captured the attention of both the local community and authorities, raising questions about the ownership of the treasure. The property is currently owned by CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, a charity organization that provides welfare support in the region. Geert Hillaert, the charity's director, expressed his surprise and amazement at the find, noting the potential for the treasure to support their work in addressing the significant needs of the community.
One of the builders, an 18-year-old student named Kobe, described the moment of discovery as one of disbelief. Initially mistaking the coins for €1 coins, he and his colleagues soon realized the magnitude of their find when they spotted a gold nugget among the haul. "Our first reaction was actually disbelief, amazement," Kobe told Belgian public broadcaster VRT. The site manager, Mario, emphasized that keeping the gold for themselves was not an option, stating, "There are so many coins and bars – it would be almost impossible. Besides, that would be theft."
Local police were promptly notified of the discovery, and they have since secured the gold in a safe location. Authorities have cautioned the public against visiting the construction site in search of additional treasure, as the area has been thoroughly searched and the gold has been relocated.
The Belgian legal framework stipulates that the rightful owner of the treasure has five years to come forward and claim it. The local prosecutor has initiated an investigation to determine the origins of the gold and whether it is linked to any criminal activity. If no owner claims the treasure within this period, Belgian civil law dictates that the treasure will be divided between the finders and the property owner, provided it is not associated with illegal activities.
As the investigation unfolds, both the builders and the charity are left in a state of anticipation, facing a wait of up to 1,823 days for any potential claims. The local police have expressed hope that the treasure will ultimately end up in "the right place" and have the potential to change lives within the community.
This extraordinary find has sparked interest not only in Dendermonde but also across Belgium, as residents speculate about the treasure's origins and the stories behind its concealment. The local police have even updated their social media profile to feature an image of a gold coin, further emphasizing the significance of the discovery.
As the situation develops, the builders and the charity remain hopeful that the treasure could provide much-needed support for the community, highlighting the potential for unexpected fortunes to make a positive impact on people's lives.