Construction crew in Belgium uncovers $10 million in gold during sewer project
Workers building a sewer beneath a former brewery in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde discovered gold bars and coins worth about $10.4 million, which have been seized by authorities under Belgian treasure-trove law.
Construction workers in the Flemish town of Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde uncovered gold bars and coins estimated at $10.4 million while excavating a new sewer beneath a former brewery, police said. The find was reported to local authorities, catalogued and placed in a high-security federal vault.
An 18-year-old worker, identified as Kobe, told VRT news he initially mistook the items for €1 coins before realizing they were gold. Project leader Mario described the moment as a "crazy feeling" and said workers shouted, "We found gold," before continuing to retrieve additional pieces.
Under Belgian law, the state has the right to claim discovered treasure within five years, meaning the workers will not retain the gold. Mario said keeping the find would constitute theft. Kobe said he hopes to receive a finder’s fee for his role.
The property where the discovery occurred is owned by a welfare organization serving the Flemish community. Its director expressed a wish that the gold be used to address the organization’s significant daily needs.
Police warned the public against entering the construction site, citing dangerous pits and the fact that all gold has been removed. They added that they hope the discovery will benefit the right recipients and improve lives.