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Builders unearth €9m gold hoard sealed in Belgian property walls
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Culture & Society

Builders unearth €9m gold hoard sealed in Belgian property walls

From BBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • Builders discovered approximately €9 million in gold coins and bars hidden within the walls of a property in Belgium.
  • The property owner, a welfare support charity, hopes the treasure can fund its work, but the rightful owner has five years to claim it under Belgian law.
  • If unclaimed, the gold will be divided between the finders and the property owner, provided it is not linked to criminal activity.

Builders renovating a property in Belgium stumbled upon a hidden fortune, unearthing approximately €9 million in gold coins and bars sealed within the walls. The discovery was promptly reported to the police.

There are so many coins and bars - it would be almost impossible. Besides, that would be theft.

— MarioThe site manager described the overwhelming discovery and the impossibility of keeping it.

The site manager, Mario, described the find as overwhelming, stating, "There are so many coins and bars - it would be almost impossible." He emphasized that keeping the treasure was not an option, calling it "theft."

€9m – you simply can't keep that hidden.

— KobeOne of the builders commented on the sheer value of the find.

The property belongs to CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, a welfare support charity. Its director, Geert Hillaert, expressed surprise and amazement, hoping the windfall could support the organization's daily operations and meet "enormous need."

surprise and amazement

— Geert HillaertThe director of the charity that owns the property described his initial reaction to the news.

Local authorities have urged the public to avoid the construction site. Under Belgian law, the rightful owner has five years to claim the hoard. If no claim is made, the treasure will be split between the finders and the property owner, unless it is linked to criminal activity. The prosecutor's office has launched an investigation.

enormous need we experience daily

— Geert HillaertThe director of the charity expressed hope that the treasure could fund their work.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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