Sun Jan 12 15:19:22 UTC 2025: ## Man’s Bid to Recover $750 Million Bitcoin from Landfill Rejected by Judge
**Newport, Wales –** A Welsh judge has thrown out a lawsuit filed by James Howells, 39, in an attempt to recover a hard drive containing approximately 600 million pounds (nearly $750 million) worth of Bitcoin that he discarded in a landfill in 2013.
Howells had offered to fully fund the excavation of the landfill and share 25% of the recovered Bitcoin with Newport City Council, but his proposal was rejected. His subsequent legal challenge, seeking permission to conduct the excavation, was dismissed by Circuit Commercial Judge Keyser on Thursday.
Judge Keyser ruled that Howells had no reasonable grounds for the claim and that it lacked any realistic prospect of success. The judge also upheld the council’s ownership of the hard drive, stating that Howells had no entitlement to it.
Howells expressed his deep disappointment with the ruling, stating that the decision felt like “a kick in the teeth” and that he was denied the opportunity to fully present his case. He maintained his willingness to share the Bitcoin proceeds and criticized the council for a lack of willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. He described the outcome as “the great British injustice system at work.” The case has now been closed.
First Piper 