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World
Belgian student discovers €9 million gold treasure beneath a former brewery
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
An 18-year-old Belgian student named Kobe discovered gold estimated to be worth €9 million on August 12, 2026, while working on a sewer project in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, about 30 kilometres northwest of Brussels. Coins, nuggets and numbered bars had been sealed inside a cellar wall beneath a villa belonging to a former brewery. The find is being held at a secure facility in Brussels while authorities investigate its legal origin. A complex civil dispute involving contractors, CAW Oost-Vlaanderen and descendants of the Van Assche family is expected. Belgian law allows potential owners at least five years to claim the treasure.
- €9 million gold treasure discovered in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde on August 12, 2026
- Coins, nuggets and numbered bars were sealed inside a cellar wall
- The gold was moved to a secure facility in Brussels pending an investigation
- Contractors, CAW Oost-Vlaanderen and Van Assche descendants may enter a civil dispute
- Belgian law gives potential owners at least five years to make a claim
What is known
On August 12, 2026, Kobe, an 18-year-old Belgian student working as a summer construction worker, discovered gold estimated to be worth €9 million in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, about 30 kilometres northwest of Brussels. He was digging trenches for a sewer network, according to The Guardian.
The treasure consists of gold coins, nuggets and numbered bars. They were concealed in a bag sealed inside a cellar wall beneath a villa that formed part of the former brewery.
Kobe and his colleagues immediately called the police and notified CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, the social welfare organisation overseeing the renovation. The treasure was transferred to a secure facility in Brussels while officials investigate its legal ownership.
The history of the site
The work is taking place at the former Van Langenhovestraat brewery in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde. Built for its owner, Theophilus Van Assche, in the late 19th century, the brewery began production in 1899 and stopped brewing in 1970.
CAW Oost-Vlaanderen is carrying out a full renovation of the heritage-listed building, with plans to create offices and housing on the site.
What happens next
Hanne Ollevier, from the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office, said authorities must first establish that the bars are neither stolen property nor proceeds from criminal activity. The case is expected to lead to a complex civil dispute involving the contractors, CAW Oost-Vlaanderen and descendants of the Van Assche family.
Under Belgian law, finders must wait at least five years so that any potential owners have time to claim the treasure.
Where was the gold treasure found?
It was found inside a cellar wall beneath a villa at the former Van Langenhovestraat brewery in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, Belgium.
Who discovered the treasure?
Kobe, an 18-year-old Belgian student working as a summer construction worker, discovered it while digging sewer trenches.
Who owns the gold?
Ownership has not been determined. Authorities are investigating the gold’s legal origin, and potential owners have at least five years to make a claim under Belgian law.
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