Belgian teenager finds gold stash worth nearly Rs 98 crore during sewer work

Construction workers in Belgium uncovered a large stash of gold bars and rare coins worth an estimated 9 million euros, or around Rs 98 crore, while replacing underground sewer pipes.

The discovery was made in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, about 30 km northwest of Brussels, during routine excavation work.

Kobe, an 18-year-old summer worker, discovered the stash on Tuesday while working with colleagues.

“We suddenly saw something lying there. At first I thought it was €1 coins. Then we saw a gold bar,” Kobe told Belgian broadcaster VTM.

The treasure reportedly included gold coins, nuggets and numbered bullion bars. It was found inside a bag sealed within a bricked-in cellar wall beneath a large villa built in the late 19th century for brewery owner Theophilus Van Assche.

Brewing at the site began in 1899 and ended in 1970. The property, known as the Brouwershuis, is now being renovated by social welfare organisation CAW Oost-Vlaanderen to create offices and housing. The building’s wrought-iron gates still carry the initials “VA”.

Authorities secured the treasure and transferred it to a secure facility in Brussels. Investigators are now examining its origins and determining who legally owns it.

Hanne Ollevier of the East Flanders prosecutor’s office said authorities first need to establish that the gold was not stolen or connected to criminal activity. The discovery could also lead to a civil dispute involving the contractors, the welfare organisation and descendants of the Van Assche family.

Under Belgian law, rightful owners have at least five years to come forward after a treasure is found.

Kobe said the workers understood that such a large discovery had to be handed over. He added that they might eventually receive a finder’s reward.