British Engineer’s £620 Million Bitcoin Lost in Landfill: The Relentless Search of James Howells

James Howells, a computer engineer from Newport, Wales, is living one of the most extraordinary tales in the world of cryptocurrency. In 2013, a simple mistake led to the accidental disposal of a hard drive containing the keys to 8,000 bitcoins—now valued at an astonishing £620 million. More than a decade later, Howells remains determined to recover his lost fortune, despite a series of setbacks and mounting legal obstacles.

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The saga began when Howells’ former partner mistakenly threw away the hard drive, unaware it contained the digital keys to a fortune. At the time, bitcoin was still a relatively obscure digital currency, and the value of the lost coins was not nearly as significant as it is today. As bitcoin’s value skyrocketed, so did the significance of Howells’ loss. The hard drive, believed to be buried somewhere in Newport’s municipal landfill on Dockway, has become the subject of global fascination and a symbol of the risks and rewards of cryptocurrency.

Over the years, Howells has made numerous appeals to Newport City Council, seeking permission to excavate the landfill in search of his hard drive. He has proposed high-tech search operations, involving artificial intelligence, robotic dogs, and environmental safety measures, all funded by investors eager to share in the potential windfall. Despite these efforts, the local authority has repeatedly denied his requests, citing environmental and logistical concerns.

Recently, Howells took his case to court, suing the council for access to the landfill or, alternatively, for £495 million in damages. However, his lawsuit was dismissed by a judge, who ruled that the claim lacked foundation and that there was no realistic prospect of success if it went to trial. One of the key reasons cited was the significant lapse of time since the hard drive was lost, making the case even more challenging to pursue.

The story took another turn when it was revealed that the council plans to close the landfill during the 2025-26 financial year. Planning permission has already been granted for a solar farm to be built on the site, which will supply power to the council’s new fleet of refuse collection vehicles. Howells expressed surprise at this development, especially since the council had previously argued in court that closing the landfill for his search would have a detrimental impact on the people of Newport. “At the same time, they were planning to close the landfill anyway,” he told BBC Wales, highlighting what he sees as a contradiction in the council’s position.

The landfill itself is massive, containing over 1.4 million tons of waste. Howells estimates that the hard drive is located within an area containing about 100,000 tons of rubbish. Undeterred by legal setbacks, he has even floated the idea of purchasing the landfill outright, discussing this possibility with potential investment partners.

Despite the judge’s ruling and the council’s resistance, Howells is considering appealing the decision. His relentless pursuit of the lost hard drive has captured the attention of the media and the public, sparking debates about the value of digital assets, the responsibilities of local authorities, and the lengths individuals will go to recover lost fortunes.

For now, the hard drive remains buried beneath tons of waste, its digital treasure locked away and out of reach. But for James Howells, the search is far from over, and his story serves as a cautionary—and compelling—tale in the volatile world of cryptocurrency.