James Howells, a 39-year-old IT employee from Newport, Wales, has misplaced his decade-long authorized battle to recuperate a tough drive containing roughly 8,000 Bitcoins, presently valued at round £635 million.
In 2013, Howells by accident discarded the arduous drive, which ended up in a Newport landfill. Since then, he has sought permission from Newport Metropolis Council to excavate the positioning and retrieve the machine. The council persistently denied his requests, citing environmental issues and allow laws.
On January 9, 2025, Choose Keyser KC of the Cardiff Excessive Courtroom dismissed Howells’s lawsuit, stating there have been no cheap grounds for the declare and no sensible prospect of success at trial.
Regardless of providing a good portion of the recovered funds to the council and the local people, Howells’s efforts have been unsuccessful. The council maintains its stance in opposition to excavation, emphasizing potential environmental impacts and adherence to laws.
Bitcoin miner’s authorized battle to recuperate £635 million fortune ends in defeat
