A British Bitcoin miner from Wales, James Howells, claims he accidentally discarded a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin (BTC) 11 years ago. At current valuations—approximately £624 million (USD 750 million)—this would make it the most expensive storage device in history. Despite repeated requests to excavate a local landfill, authorities have denied his appeals. Now, Howells plans legal action as a "final resort."
The Lost Fortune
Howells, a 39-year-old systems engineer from Newport, Wales, mined the Bitcoin in 2009 during the post-financial crisis era. He stored the BTC in a private key on a hard drive, which he later placed in a drawer during a computer upgrade.
In 2013, his former partner mistakenly threw the drive into a trash bin, thinking it was junk. The device ended up in a landfill, buried under layers of waste.
Key Details:
- Bitcoin Holdings: 8,000 BTC (worth ~£624 million today).
- Timeline: Lost in 2013; retrieval attempts denied since.
- Location: Newport City Council-controlled landfill.
Legal Battle and Environmental Concerns
Howells has offered the council 25% of the recovered Bitcoin’s value for community projects—a proposal rejected at least 10 times. He now threatens to sue for full compensation, reducing his offer to 10%.
👉 Could Bitcoin’s volatility impact such cases?
Council’s Stance:
- Excavation violates environmental permits.
- Potential "massive negative environmental impact" on the area.
- Claims are "without merit," and the council will "vigorously defend" against litigation.
Market Context
Bitcoin’s surge toward $100,000 has amplified Howells’ loss. In just three days, its value rose by £100 million, highlighting the asset’s volatility.
FAQs
Q: Why can’t Howells excavate the landfill?
A: Local authorities cite environmental risks and permit restrictions.
Q: What’s the legal basis for his claim?
A: He argues the council’s refusal constitutes negligence, depriving him of property.
Q: Could technology help locate the drive?
A: Possible, but the council prohibits any exploratory efforts.
👉 How does Bitcoin storage work?
Conclusion
Howells’ case underscores the intersection of cryptocurrency, environmental policy, and property rights. As Bitcoin’s value climbs, so does the stakes—and scrutiny—of his decade-long quest.
"This treasure hunt won’t end," Howells insists. "The wealth keeps growing, and so will my efforts to reclaim it."