A student working on a construction site in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Brussels, made an unexpected discovery while helping to lay drainage pipes at a former brewery property. The teenager and colleagues uncovered a substantial cache of gold, including coins, nuggets, and numbered bullion bars, estimated to be worth around €9 million. The hoard was located in a deliberately concealed location within a bricked-in cellar wall beneath a grand villa that originally belonged to Theophilus Van Assche, the brewery’s owner, constructed in the late 19th century.
The discovery occurred at a site where brewing operations had run from 1899 until 1970. The property, identified as the Brouwershuis and bearing wrought-iron gates with the initials “VA,” is currently undergoing extensive renovation by social welfare organization CAW Oost-Vlaanderen to be converted into offices and housing. The workers immediately notified authorities and the organization upon finding the treasure, adhering to legal protocols regarding such discoveries.
The gold has been transferred to a secure facility in Brussels as officials conduct an investigation into its legal status and ownership. Authorities must verify whether the bullion represents stolen goods or proceeds from criminal activity. Multiple parties may have claims to portions of the fortune, including building contractors, the welfare organization, and any surviving descendants of the Van Assche family. Under Belgian law, individuals who discover treasure must typically wait five years for potential owners to make claims. The student indicated that while a reward would be welcome, he understood the importance of properly reporting such a significant find to the appropriate authorities.
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