Belgium Investigates Origin of 9 Million Euro Treasure Found in Building Foundations

Authorities in Dendermonde, Belgium, are searching for the owner of a treasure valued at approximately 9 million euros. The hoard, which includes more than 40 gold bars, nuggets, and thousands of ancient coins, was discovered by construction workers installing drainage pipes in the basement of a building. One worker, an 18 year old student named Philip Kobe, reported that the group initially mistook the coins for one euro pieces before discovering the gold.

The treasure was found in a building that once belonged to the Van Assche family, wealthy brewers from the early 20th century. While initial theories suggested the gold was hidden during a world war, investigators discarded this hypothesis because some bars are dated 1957 and 1960. Local historian Luc Michiels noted that the last members of the dynasty died without descendants between 1960 and the early 1980s. He mentioned that the last survivor, Maria Van Assche, left her estate to a local abbey for social works, though the treasure was not mentioned in her will.

The building is currently owned by CAW Oost Vlaanderen, a non profit organization providing social support. Its director, Geert Hillaert, expressed hope that the funds will eventually support the organization's work. Under Belgian law, a legitimate owner has up to five years to claim the treasure. If no owner is found and no criminal activity is linked to the gold, the law suggests the find be split between the discoverers and the property owner.

Police have moved the gold to a secret location under strict security. The Dendermonde police station has already received various claims of ownership, including one from a man claiming to be a reincarnation of the person who hid the gold.