Three workers have appeared before the Bruges Correctional Court, charged with stealing a pot of gold coins discovered during demolition work in a house in Bruges, estimated to be worth €240,000.
F.M. (46) from Zedelgem, alongside T.D. (46) from Ypres and P.K. (50) from Oostkamp, were conducting demolition work in the Bruges suburb of Assebroek in October 2019 when they unearthed a pot of gold coins in a cellar they reached using a crane, and subsequently divided them among themselves. Investigations revealed that M. sold 12 South African Krugerrand coins and 55 Belgian ECU coins in Antwerp for €52,000.
The discovery came to light after a witness told neighbours a tale about a bag of jewellery. The previous owners were unaware of the coins, hidden behind a safe, even when selling the house. On Tuesday morning, their lawyer demanded €240,000 in damages as the gold has since increased in value.
The defence argued for the acquittal of all defendants, insisting that the workers did not intend to steal. Lawyer Bart Bleyaert pointed out that the civil parties no longer owned the house or coins after the sale, arguing the gold should be considered a treasure, to be divided between the discoverers and the new owner. The defence also highlighted the prolonged nature of the investigation.
The verdict is expected on 16 September.
