The saga of James Howells and his lost Bitcoin fortune, estimated at $716 million, has taken a new twist as his former partner, Halfina Eddy-Evans, claims she discarded the hard drive containing his 8,000 Bitcoins at his request. Howells had mistakenly thrown the drive away in 2013 during a cleanup when Bitcoin was valued at less than $1. Realizing the potential value of the lost assets, Howells sought legal permission to excavate the landfill, but Newport City Council has opposed the operation citing environmental concerns and logistical difficulties. Despite Howells' offer to privately fund the excavation and donate 10% of the proceeds, the council's environmental license does not allow it. This case highlights the risks of self-custody in the cryptocurrency space, emphasizing the critical need for secure storage solutions to prevent such losses in the future.

Source 🔗