The man who lost 8,000 bitcoins plans to tokenize part of his missing treasure to fund one final rescue attempt.
The Man Who Lost 8,000 BTC
James Howells, a computer specialist from Newport, Wales, became globally known in 2013 after accidentally throwing away an old hard drive containing the private keys to 8,000 bitcoins. At today’s prices, this amounts to a lost fortune worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Over the years, Howells has repeatedly tried to obtain permission from the local city council to search the landfill where he believes the drive is buried. But his requests have been systematically rejected due to environmental and safety concerns.
A New Plan to Recover the Lost Bitcoin
After his latest disappointment, Howells announced at a 2025 conference that he’s developed a bold new plan. He aims to raise $75 million by tokenizing 1,675 of the lost bitcoins — around 21% of the total amount.
The tokens will be issued as ordinals — unique digital assets inscribed directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. The funds raised will be used to buy the landfill itself. “We’ll make them an offer they can’t refuse,” Howells declared, emphasizing that he will no longer wait for the council’s permission.
A Bitcoin Story Fit for the Big Screen
James Howells’ saga is no longer just another crypto oddity — it has become a modern treasure hunt with powerful emotional resonance. American production company LEBUL has acquired exclusive rights to film a documentary about his quest to recover the lost Bitcoin.
Filming is set for summer 2025, with the premiere expected in October or November. “For the first time, I’ll be able to show the world what we actually want to do at the landfill,” said Howells. He believes the documentary will shift public opinion: “Once they see it, people won’t think it’s a crazy plan — they’ll see it’s totally doable.”
Conclusion:
James Howells’ story is approaching its climax. With time running out and the landfill potentially closing soon, the new tokenization plan and documentary project may be his last chance. Whether he succeeds this time remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: Howells is not giving up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions below.
Local authorities have consistently denied his requests due to environmental and safety regulations. The landfill is considered protected, and excavation poses potential risks.
He plans to tokenize 1,675 of the lost BTC as digital ordinals on the Bitcoin blockchain and raise $75 million to buy or negotiate full access to the landfill without needing council approval.
Howells believes the documentary will raise public awareness, generate support, and prove that his plan is both logical and feasible — potentially pressuring authorities to reconsider.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or investment advice. Crypto-assets are highly volatile, so only invest funds that you are willing to lose and use your own research and risk management.
