Cryptocurrency is rapidly gaining value and becoming an increasingly important asset in the financial world, but for one man, it remains a lost fortune buried in a landfill unless President Trump acts. James Howells, 39, has spent nearly a decade attempting to recover nearly $750 million worth of Bitcoin he accidentally discarded in 2013.
Howells discards $75 million worth of Bitcoin
The cryptocurrency was stored on a hard drive, which Howells unknowingly threw away in Newport, Wales, sparking a decade-long legal battle to retrieve his lost wealth. It has since lain in a rubbish site run by Newport Council in Wales. Despite offering to fully fund the excavation and give 25% of the recovered Bitcoin to the Newport City Council, his proposal was rejected. This week, Judge Keyser of Wales dismissed Howells’ lawsuit, ruling that he had “no reasonable grounds” for the claim and that the case had “no realistic prospect” of success.
“The particulars of the claim do not demonstrate any reasonable grounds for bringing this case. Additionally, the claim has no realistic prospect of success at trial, nor is there any compelling reason for it to proceed to trial,” Keyser explained.
Howells appeals to Trump to intervene
Howells’ discussed with UK media his disappointment with the verdict and needing to face reality that it is ‘game over’ in his long battle. “I am honestly so disappointed — I thought at the very least I deserved to have my full say in court with a full trial with all details put onto the center stage,” said Howells.
He added: “It was always going to be a difficult uphill struggle. I believe in my case but I did not think there would be any chance of fairness…unless someone has a change of mind it is a dead stick — game over. The fat lady is singing. The council own the land, they own the permission and they have the power to change if they want to.”
In a joking statement, the UK resident described possibly making a hail-Mary last ditch attempt at recovering his bitcoin fortune by appealing to Donald Trump. “I don’t know what else to do. Maybe Donald Trump could help make something happen. I would certainly cut Trump in on the deal if he could help,” said Howells. “I am appealing to him and anyone else who can help sort this madness. I’m half joking of course but it would be great if he did.” Trump is a known supporter of cryptocurrency, however, it is unlikely the president could intervene with UK laws.
Cryptocurrency continues to gain rapid increases in value
Howells’ case displays how, across the world, cryptocurrencies are gaining increased value and are set to play a much larger role in monetary systems. Digital currencies are becoming significant assets, often with staggering worth. Cryptocurrencies are rapidly being integrated into mainstream finance, with many seeing them as a store of value and a hedge against traditional financial instability.
As digital currencies continue to gain traction, their impact on the economy is expected to deepen, with cryptocurrencies playing an increasingly central role in investment strategies, transactions, and even monetary policies. Howells’ pursuit of his lost Bitcoin serves as a reminder of the immense value attached to these digital assets, and the challenges that come with their preservation and recovery.
