Originally published on: October 16, 2024
James Howells, the British man who lost his Bitcoin-filled hard drive in a Newport landfill 10 years ago, is now taking legal action against Newport City Council. Despite years of unsuccessful attempts to recover the device, Howells is seeking damages or permission to excavate the landfill to retrieve his hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin worth over $647 million.
The international spotlight is now on Howells’ legal battle against the council, which has repeatedly refused his requests to search for his lost hard drive. Frustrated by the council’s unwillingness to engage in negotiations, Howells had no choice but to pursue legal action.
In exclusive comments to Cointelegraph, Howells expressed his disappointment with the council’s refusal to meet with him, leading him to issue proceedings against them. Despite the council’s environmental concerns, Howells believes his excavation and remediation plan will not only recover the hard drive but also clean up the landfill site at no cost to the council or taxpayers.
Under United Kingdom law, Bitcoin is classified as personal property, giving Howells the legal right to retrieve his lost hard drive. However, Newport City Council remains firm in its position, citing environmental permits that prohibit excavation of the landfill.
The council insists that the risks associated with excavation outweigh any potential benefits, maintaining that they are vigorously resisting Howells’ claim. The case is set to be heard in court on Dec. 3, where a judge will determine whether the council must allow access to the landfill or compensate Howells for the lost Bitcoin.
Despite the legal battle, Howells remains optimistic, asserting his right to retrieve his digital property. The outcome of this case will not only impact Howells but also have implications for the classification of digital assets in the UK. Subscribe to Law Decoded newsletter for the latest updates on crypto laws and guidelines to navigate your crypto ventures wisely.
