Lost Cryptocurrency: Man Seeks Legal Access to Landfill in Search for £165 Million
Introduction
A man who lost an estimated £165 million of cryptocurrency thrown into a landfill by mistake has unveiled his latest plan to try and get the money back.
Background
In 2013, James Howells accidentally threw away a hard drive containing 8,000 bitcoins, the world’s leading cryptocurrency. Despite his efforts over the past decade, Newport City Council has repeatedly refused to allow him access to the landfill site to search for the device.
New Plan
Now, Howells has retained a legal team who have written to the local authority, asking for legal access to the site. If granted, he plans to use mechanical arms powered by AI to sift through the site and find the hard drive.
The Mistake
The incident occurred when Howells put the hardware from an old laptop in a black bag in his hallway for disposal. His ex-partner, thinking she was doing him a favor, took the bags to the landfill site the next morning.
Past Efforts
After the accidental disposal, Howells assembled a team of environmental health and data recovery experts. The plan involved using AI-operated mechanical arms to sort through the rubbish and manually search for the hard drive.
Stumbling Block
Newport County Council has refused to grant permission to access the landfill site, despite Howells offering to cover all related costs. He has tried to engage with the council in a business-like manner but has been unsuccessful in meeting with their senior leadership.
The Future
If Howells succeeds in recovering his lost millions, he plans to turn Newport into the UK’s first “crypto hub” and gift its residents £50 in bitcoin each. He also wants to establish a blockchain education center and install crypto point of sale devices in all independent stores in Newport.
Legal Action
Howells’ legal team sent a letter to the council on September 6, requesting access to the site. The council has two weeks to respond before the possibility of escalation in the courts.
Council’s Response
Newport City Council has stated that excavation is not possible under their environmental permit and that it would have a negative environmental impact. They have consistently refused to assist Howells in his search for the hard drive.
