Construction Crew Finds $10 Million in Gold Bars and Coins During Sewer Project in Dendermonde
Workers renovating a former brewery in Dendermonde uncovered 49 gold bars and a bucket of coins, now held by authorities while prosecutors determine ownership.
A construction team working on a sewer-pipe installation in Dendermonde, a city north of Brussels, discovered a concealed cache of gold bars and coins inside the walls of a cellar being renovated. Police photographs show 49 gold bars and a bucket of coins that have been placed in a federal high-security vault while investigators examine the source and legal ownership of the haul.
The building, an old brewery, is owned by a local charity. Under Belgian law, if no legitimate owner claims the treasure within five years and it is not linked to criminal activity, the finders and the property owner share the proceeds. The charity indicated that any proceeds could be used to expand its homeless-shelter services.
Authorities have warned that the site contains hazardous pits and have asked the public to refrain from attempting to retrieve any of the gold. Prosecutors continue to assess the case.