Man Wants to Buy Landfill Where He Lost £620M in Bitcoin

James Howells Source

James Howells, a computer engineer from Newport, Wales, is making headlines once again in his quest to recover a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin, now worth £620 million ($785 million). After his legal battle against Newport City Council was dismissed, Howells is now considering purchasing the landfill site outright in a last-ditch effort to retrieve his lost fortune.

"I would be potentially interested in purchasing the landfill site. I have discussed this option recently with investment partners, and it is very much on the table," said Howells.

The £620M Bitcoin Mistake

• In 2013, Howells’ ex-girlfriend mistakenly threw away his hard drive containing 8,000 BTC.

• At today's prices, the lost Bitcoin is worth hundreds of millions.

Legal Battle Against Newport Council

• Howells attempted to sue the council for either access to the landfill or £495 million in compensation.

• The judge dismissed his case, ruling that too much time had passed and there was no realistic prospect of success.

New Strategy: Buying the Landfill Site

• The landfill is set to close in the 2025-26 financial year.

• The council plans to build a solar farm on the land to power electric bin lorries.

• Howells claims the council’s argument against his search contradicts their own closure plans.

Private Investment to Fund the Search?

• Howells has engaged investment partners and is exploring buying the landfill outright.

• The landfill contains 1.4 million tonnes of waste, and Howells believes his hard drive is within 100,000 tonnes.