Ex-Partner Says James Howells Requested $716M BTC Wallet Be Discarded

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Jimmy Aki

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Jimmy Aki

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Jimmy has nearly 10 years of experience as a journalist and writer in the blockchain industry. He has worked with well-known publications such as Bitcoin Magazine, CCN, and Blockonomi, covering news...

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November 25, 2024 11:54 EST

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Fresh details surfaced on Monday about James Howells, the IT engineer from Newport, Wales, who lost a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin in 2013.

Halfina Eddy-Evans, Howells’ ex-partner, recently revealed that she discarded the hard drive at his request, adding a surprising twist to the long-running saga.

James Howells’ Ex-Partner Admits Discarding Lost Bitcoin Wallet

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Eddy-Evans explained her role in the events, stating, “He begged me to get rid of unwanted belongings, including the hard drive. Losing it was not my fault.”

The hard drive, discarded when Bitcoin was worth less than $1 per token, is now estimated to hold over $716 million.

The hard drive’s loss has led Howells into years of legal battles with the Newport City Council.

He has sought permission to excavate the landfill where the device is believed to be buried under 110,000 tons of waste.

To address environmental and logistical concerns, Howells proposed funding the operation privately, offering $11 million to cover expenses and pledging 10% of any recovered funds to the council.

Despite his efforts, the council maintains that its environmental license prohibits such operations.

Unable to gain permission, Howells has filed a lawsuit seeking £495 million (approximately $647 million) in damages.

Securing Digital Assets: Lessons from James Howells’ Lost Bitcoin Wallet

The case of James Howells has reignited discussions about the risks of self-custody for digital assets. Safeguarding cryptocurrencies demands meticulous planning.

To prevent the loss of private keys and recovery phrases, experts recommend using hardware wallets, also known as “cold wallets,” for offline storage.

Crypto holders can avoid similar disasters by maintaining multiple backups of recovery details.

Options include encrypted digital storage or physical copies in secure locations, such as safe deposit boxes.

Eddy-Evans’ admission highlights the importance of clear communication and proper asset management in mitigating such risks.

Although efforts to recover lost Bitcoin often prove unsuccessful, some cases offer hope.

Security expert Joe Grand, known as “Kingpin,” famously recovered over $3 million worth of Bitcoin trapped in a wallet for 11 years.

His expertise demonstrates that, with the right tools and knowledge, lost Bitcoin may not always be beyond reach.

As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies grow in popularity, the importance of secure storage practices cannot be overstated.

By learning from cases like Howells’, crypto holders can better safeguard their digital wealth against unforeseen mishaps.

Check Out: Best Crypto Wallets for Gambling in January 2025