• Dapps:16.23K
  • Blockchains:78
  • Active users:66.47M
  • 30d volume:$303.26B
  • 30d transactions:$879.24M

Court denies James Howell's claim to recover $770 million Bitcoin hard drive

user avatar

by Giorgi Kostiuk

6 months ago


James Howell, a cryptocurrency miner, failed in his attempt to recover a lost hard drive with Bitcoin worth $770 million after a UK court dismissed his claim. The drive was accidentally discarded over a decade ago and ended up in a Newport landfill.

The Story of the Lost Hard Drive

The saga began in 2009 when James Howell successfully mined 8,000 BTC. Like many early adopters, Howell had no idea Bitcoin's price would soar to extraordinary levels. In 2013, Howell's partner accidentally threw away the hard drive when BTC was trading at only $13. Since then, Bitcoin's value has skyrocketed.

Court's Decision

Since 2013, Howell has sought access to the landfill to recover the hard drive and sued the Newport City Council, but Judge Keyser KC dismissed the case, citing no reasonable grounds for the claim and no realistic prospect of succeeding at trial. The council had repeatedly stated that excavation was impossible due to significant environmental impact.

Consequences and Reaction

Howell accused the council of violating environmental regulations, claiming to have over 100 independent pieces of evidence. However, the council stated the drive became their property once it reached the landfill. Howell's offer to donate 10% of the Bitcoin to the local community was rejected as it was seen as an attempt to tempt the council into action.

James Howell's unsuccessful attempt to retrieve the lost Bitcoin highlights the importance of data security in the world of cryptocurrencies.

0

Rewards

chest
chest
chest
chest

More rewards

Discover enhanced rewards on our social media.

Other news

Volume of Losses from Fraud Schemes in the Crypto Industry Exceeds $2.1 Billion

chest

An analysis of current social engineering threats in the crypto industry leading to losses of $2.1 billion.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk

US Stock Market: Analyzing the Opening and Its Impact on Cryptocurrencies

chest

Mixed results in the US stock market opening reflect diverging investor sentiment. We analyze current trends.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk

Ethereum Surpasses $2800 Driven by Institutional Interest

chest

Ethereum gained 5.54% in 24 hours, surpassing $2800, indicating growing institutional interest and a bullish market sentiment.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk

Traders Open Short Positions on PUMP Totaling $9.2 Million

chest

Four major crypto traders opened $9.2 million in short positions on PUMP following the launch of preliminary trading.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk

Tesla Files for Autonomous Ride-Hailing Certification in Arizona

chest

Tesla aims to secure approval for its autonomous ride-hailing service in Arizona by the end of July. Read more about the company’s plans.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk

GMX Hack: Losses Total $42 Million, Hacker Exchanges Funds for ETH

chest

Decentralized platform GMX lost $42 million in an attack. The hacker converted most of the stolen funds into 11,700 ETH.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk
dapp expert logo
© 2020-2025. DappExpert. All rights reserved.
© 2020-2025. DappExpert. All rights reserved.

Important disclaimer: The information presented on the Dapp.Expert portal is intended solely for informational purposes and does not constitute an investment recommendation or a guide to action in the field of cryptocurrencies. The Dapp.Expert team is not responsible for any potential losses or missed profits associated with the use of materials published on the site. Before making investment decisions in cryptocurrencies, we recommend consulting a qualified financial advisor.