James Howells, a computer engineer from Newport, claims he lost a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin back in 2013, when it was accidentally thrown out by his then-partner. At today’s prices, the missing Bitcoin could be worth around £620 million. Since discovering his predicament, Howells has been locked in a legal battle to gain access to the tip where he believes the hard drive is buried.
The Newport City Council, however, has consistently refused his requests. Howells attempted to sue for either the right to excavate the site on Docks Way or for £495 million in compensation, but a High Court judge recently dismissed his case. The judge ruled that too much time had passed since the hard drive was lost, adding there was “no realistic prospect” of success if the dispute went to trial.
This landfill is earmarked for closure in the 2025-26 financial year, with the council planning to install a solar farm on the site to power its fleet of new bin lorries. Howells reacted with surprise, pointing out that the council originally claimed closing the landfill to facilitate his search would severely affect local residents—despite an apparent plan to shut it down in the near future.
Undeterred, Howells remains keen to explore every option. Not only does he plan to appeal the judge’s decision, he has also floated the idea of purchasing the landfill outright. According to Howells, investment partners are interested in helping him buy the site, enabling him to search for the elusive hard drive on his own terms.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is generally described as a form of cryptocurrency—digital money that exists purely online. It operates without central banks or government backing, making it popular among crypto enthusiasts for its decentralised nature. While it’s possible to use Bitcoin to purchase goods and services, adoption varies widely by region, and not all businesses accept it. In several countries, including China, Bitcoin trading or mining is restricted or outright illegal.
