Crypto Crusader Battles City Over Lost $1.5 Billion Bitcoin Hard Drive in Landfill

Ten years ago, James Howells accidentally discarded a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoins, now worth £451 million. Desperate to retrieve his lost fortune, he is initiating legal action against Newport City Council, which manages the landfill where the hard drive is believed to be located. The council has denied his requests due to environmental regulations, but Howells remains determined to recover his property, offering a share of the potential earnings in exchange for excavation rights.

Can Crypto Coin Crusader Reclaim His Lost Fortune?

James Howells, a 38-year-old early crypto investor, finds himself in a legal battle with the South Wales council over 8,000 Bitcoins he accidentally discarded in a landfill a decade ago. With Bitcoin's meteoric rise, the lost haul would now be worth a staggering £451,765,891, placing Howells among the ranks of Hollywood elite like George Clooney and author Stephen King.

Is a Billion-Dollar Hard Drive Buried in a Landfill?

Howells believes the price of each coin could reach $25,000, valuing the hard drive at an astonishing £1.5 billion. "The council may be content to leave it in a landfill, but I'm not," he asserts. Despite the council's refusal to excavate, Howells is determined to retrieve his property. "They want me to go away and forget about it, but how could anyone? Why should I back down?"

Fortress Landfill: Guarded by Cameras and Bureaucracy

The landfill site is under constant surveillance by a network of video cameras, deterring treasure hunters armed with metal detectors. The situation stems from a fateful day 10 years ago when Howells's partner unknowingly discarded the hard drive containing his crypto assets in a black bin bag.

Council Stance: Environmental Concerns Trump Lost Fortune

Since then, Howells has been locked in a battle with Newport City Council, which has declined all his requests to recover the hard drive. The council cites strict environmental regulations prohibiting excavation in the landfill area. "Excavation is not possible under our environmental permit," the council stated. "Work of that nature would have a huge negative environmental impact on the surrounding area."

Desperate Investor Offers Council a Cut

Undeterred, Howells has offered the council a share of the proceeds if they allow him to dig. Some workers at the site acknowledge the potential presence of the hard drive and believe Howells deserves a chance to recover it. However, others remain skeptical. "Even if the council gave permission, it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack," one worker said. "It would be impossible."

Howells's Next Move: High Court Battle?

Howells, who resides in a modest £180,000 terraced house in Newport, is preparing his next move against the council. He threatens to initiate high court proceedings if they continue to resist. The council maintains its stance, stating that it will not provide any further assistance. "Our position has not changed," the council declared. "We will be offering no further comments on this issue as it takes up valuable officer time which could be spent on delivering services for the residents of Newport."