Workers found gold bars, coins and a nugget while drilling for new sewage pipes last week. Kobe, an 18-year-old on a summer job, said his first reaction was “disbelief, amazement,” recalling how he initially mistook the coins for euros before spotting a gold nugget. Site manager Mario said keeping it was never an option: “There are so many coins and bars — it would be almost impossible. Besides, that would be theft.”

Police have secured the site, moved the gold to safekeeping, and warned the public against searching the property. They’ve even swapped their Facebook profile picture for a gold coin.

The house belongs to CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, a local welfare charity, whose director Geert Hillaert said he hoped the find could eventually fund its work supporting the community.

Under Belgian law, the rightful owner has five years to come forward. If no one does, the treasure is split between the finder and the property owner — provided it isn’t linked to criminal activity. For now, both builders and charity face a long wait to find out who strikes it rich.