A computer expert who has been searching for a £600m bitcoin fortune buried in a landfill site in south Wales is considering buying the site to continue his quest. James Howells, 39, had lost a high court case last month to allow him to search the landfill, and plans to close it have been announced.
The council claims that allowing Howells to search the site would harm the community, but he believes it’s already scheduled for closure due to being 80-90% full. Now, he’s exploring purchasing the land as-is to keep his chances alive. Howells has discussed this with investment partners and is taking a serious look.
Howells’ bitcoin fortune began when he accidentally left a hard drive containing his wallet in a landfill site in 2013. He had offered to share any recovered bitcoins with the council, but they refused. The high court judge ruled against him, saying the hard drive became council property when it was taken to the landfill.
The council has declined to comment on the matter, leaving Howells and potential investors hopeful about finding a new way forward.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/10/man-who-lost-bitcoin-fortune-in-welsh-tip-explores-purchase-of-entire-landfill