Belgian workers find 9 million euro gold hoard during renovations

Construction workers in Flanders stumbled upon an astonishing find during renovation work: a hoard of gold bars and coins valued at roughly 9 million euros. The discovery was made Monday evening in a building belonging to the East Flanders Social Welfare Centre in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde.

The workers found a chest concealed within a basement wall. After uncovering the treasure, they immediately alerted their supervisor, who then contacted the police. Authorities secured the gold and transferred it to a safe location.

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At this time, it is unknown where this gold comes from and to whom it legally belongs.

The East Flanders prosecutor's office has launched an investigation to determine the origin of the gold and its legal ownership. "At this time, it is unknown where this gold comes from and to whom it legally belongs," prosecutor Hanne Ollevier told Laatste Nieuws. Authorities aim to ascertain how the gold ended up there and whether its presence is linked to illegal activities.

"We first need to determine the extent to which this gold is connected to past criminal acts. Then, we will examine the possibility of finding the legitimate owners," said Geert Hillaert of the East Flanders Social Welfare Centre. He noted that the investigation might extend over several years.

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We first need to determine the extent to which this gold is connected to past criminal acts. Then, we will examine the possibility of finding the legitimate owners.