Belgian Police Swamped by Treasure Claims, Including One From a 'Previous Life'

Belgian police have received claims from all corners of the world over the gold treasure discovered last week in the town of Dendermonde. Since the news was picked up by outlets including The New York Times and Japan's Jiji.com, emails from would-be owners and 'experts' have flooded in, according to police chief Patrick Feys.

One claimant went further than most, insisting he had owned the hoard in a previous life. 'If reincarnation counts as an acceptable chain of ownership under Belgian property law, let me know what documents you need,' the sender wrote. 'I am prepared to give a sworn statement confirming that, to the best of my past-life memories, I hid the gold and then completely forgot about it for roughly sixty years.'

'To date, reincarnation is still not valid proof,' Feys responded. He repeated that police and prosecutors will only examine whether there is a criminal link to the gold; anything else is a civil matter. Anyone who believes they have a claim should contact a lawyer or notary to defend their rights, the police message advised.