James Howells, 39, has been fighting for access to a local landfill to search for 8,000 bitcoins worth over $750 million since 2013. However, his latest attempt was struck down by a judge this week. The hard drive containing the lost cryptocurrency accidentally ended up in a garbage bag and at the landfill site.
Howells mistakenly threw away the hard drive, thinking it was another identical one he owned. He has been trying to gain access to the dump for over a decade, offering to give the council a share of the cryptocurrency if found. The value of the lost bitcoin is now around $757 million, as its current price is roughly $94,600.
Howells initially sought to sue the council to gain the right to search the site or receive £495 million ($608 million) in compensation. However, Judge Keyser KC ruled in favor of the council, stating that existing laws considered the hard drive property of the council once it entered the landfill site. The judge also rejected Howells’ claim, citing no realistic prospect of success.
Despite the setback, Howells remains determined to fight on, saying he will continue to pursue his case until a higher court tells him otherwise.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/bitcoin-hard-drive-750-million-dump-landfill-site-2025-1