Construction workers uncover €9 million treasure hidden in 19th-century Flanders brewery

Construction workers in the Flemish town of Dendermonde, Belgium, uncovered a significant treasure while renovating a historic brewery. The find, hidden within the walls of the building established in the 1890s by Theophile Van Aasche, consists of 49 gold bars and approximately 4,000 ancient coins, with an estimated value of €9 million. The discovery was made during a project to convert the site into housing for the homeless. One of the workers, an 18-year-old named Kobi, stated that while the team briefly considered keeping the items, they recognized the illegality of such an action and reported the find to their foreman, leading to police intervention. The building is currently owned by a local welfare organization. Under Belgian law, a five-year waiting period is now in effect to allow potential heirs to file claims. Authorities are currently vetting three individuals who have come forward. If no legitimate heir is found, the fortune will be split equally between the workers who discovered it and the welfare organization that owns the property.