Man Who Accidentally Threw Away Bitcoin Worth $800 Million Looks To Trump For Help: 'I Am Appealing To Him'

Aniket Verma

January 15, 2025

James Howells, who lost the legal bid to retrieve his $800 million Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) fortune, has now turned to Donald Trump for help, expressing hopes for intervention from the U.S. President-elect, according to a Wednesday report.

What Happened: Howells acknowledged that his chances of recovery are slim after a judge dismissed his request to excavate the landfill that has the discarded hard drive containing 8,000 BTC, as reported by the New York Post.

"It feels like the end of the world for me. I am now stuck with it and can not escape it. I am stuck with it for life, ” he was quoted as saying.

The Wales-based software engineer sought permission from the Newport City Council to excavate the site to recover it, but the court rejected the plea, citing environmental concerns with excavation.

“Maybe Donald Trump could help make something happen. I would certainly cut Trump in on the deal if he could help,” Howells said.

While he admitted to being half-joking, he expressed a genuine desire for any assistance to resolve the situation, saying, “I am appealing to him and anyone else who can help sort this madness.”

See Also: Italy’s Largest Bank Leaps Into Bitcoin Trading With $1 Million ‘Test’ Investment But CEO Says He Doesn’t Invest In BTC Personally

Why It Matters: The incident dates back to 2013 when Howells unintentionally put a hard drive containing 8,000 BTCs in the trash while cleaning his office.

It was later revealed that his ex-girlfriend threw the fortune away after Howells asked her to dispose of some "unwanted belongings" in a black sack, which, unknown to both of them, included the hard drive.

The 8,000 Bitcoins would be worth $865 million at the all-time high price of $108,135 and $798.6 million at the current market price of $99,824.88.

Read Next:

Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy Not Alone In Bitcoin Acquisition, Says Bitwise Chief Investment Officer: ‘It’s A Bona Fide Megatrend’

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Recommended

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Elon's Greatest Invention... Hidden in South Memphis? - Ad

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

WASHINGTON (AP) — President keeps saying that Republicans' mega legislation will eliminate taxes on federal benefits.

A judge resisted Trump’s order on gender identity. The EEOC just fired her

The federal agency charged with protecting workers’ civil rights has terminated a New York administrative judge who , including President Donald Trump’s executive order decreeing male and female as .

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ...

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ... - Ad

A sweeping U.S. policy could soon let the government track-or even freeze-your bank account. But there are 4 simple steps you can take right now to protect your savings before it's potentially too late.

Once known as 'Dirty Myrtle,' Myrtle Beach is now the fastest-growing US metro for seniors

A South Carolina beach town once nicknamed “Dirty Myrtle” because of its rowdy nightclubs and strip joints has become a magnet for retirees in a nation that continues to age.

Cathie Wood Dumps Jack Dorsey's Block As Bitcoin Flirts With All-Time Highs, Bets $8.8 million On Tempus AI

On Wednesday, the Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made a significant move by purchasing a substantial number of shares in Tempus AI Inc. (NASDAQ:TEM) and selling shares of Block Inc. (NYSE:XYZ).

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as July 23rd.

These are the celebs who are attending Jeff Bezos’ Venice wedding

VENICE, Italy (AP) — arrived in Venice on Thursday, leading a star-studded guest list of celebrities descending on the lagoon city for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.

After Diddy's conviction, here's where his business ventures stand

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been in his federal sex trafficking trial, but that doesn't mean the once-celebrated music mogul will see his business empire restored.

Back This Medical AI Tech

Back This Medical AI Tech - Ad

You don't often find healthcare tech company valued at $4M. HeartSciences is an exception. With $75M invested, including R&D, clinical trials, and product development, their patented AI software is approaching FDA submission, a potential major inflection point.

Trump Brokers Peace Deal Between DR Congo And Rwanda — Now Eyes Billions In US Investment

Trump brokers a peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda, aiming to end conflict and unlock U.S. investment in critical African minerals.

Mark Cuban Raises Employee Wages After Learning Of Government Aid Dependence

Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, expressed his dismay upon learning that some of his employees were reliant on government aid programs.

Stunning Trump Policy Unlocks Upfront Cash Payouts

Stunning Trump Policy Unlocks Upfront Cash Payouts - Ad

The U.S. has collected $15B from Trump's tariffs - and now, thanks to Title 15, you could claim your own $100-$1,000 instant upfront cash payouts. No stocks needed. Use your phone and this income technique to collect upfront payouts now.

Greenland has a message for the rest of the world: Come visit

NUUK, Greenland (AP) — has a message for the rest of the world: We’re waiting for you.

What's in the latest version of Trump's big bill moving through the Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are inching closer to getting their tax and spending cut bill through Congress with a final Senate vote likely late Monday or early Tuesday.

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you - Ad

Inside Elon Musk's Memphis site lies a supercomputer built to power the world's first superhuman AI. It could make Elon a trillionaire - and new millionaires, too. With just $500, you could get in before the July 1st funding window closes.

Nations are meeting to drum up trillions to combat poverty — but the US isn't going

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Many of the world’s nations are gathering starting Monday in Spain for a high-level conference to tackle the and try to drum up trillions of dollars needed to close it. The United States, previously a major contributor, pulled its participation, so finding funding will be tough.

FDA vaccine official restricted COVID vaccine approvals against the advice of agency staff

WASHINGTON (AP) — The working under Health Secretary recently of two COVID-19 vaccines, disregarding recommendations from government scientists, according to federal documents released Wednesday.

FDA Submission Expected This Summer - Invest Before It Happens

FDA Submission Expected This Summer - Invest Before It Happens - Ad

This company is making heart disease easier to detect with AI. Their tech has officially been designated a "Breakthrough" by the FDA. You now have an opportunity to get in at a potential inflection point.

Russian Spy Chief And CIA Director Ratcliffe Agree To 'Call Any Time' Amid Tensions: Report

Russian spy chief Sergei Naryshkin and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), John Ratcliffe, have reportedly agreed to have direct communication at any time.

LOCALIZE IT: Tariffs could impact next year's fireworks displays and sales; see state consumer laws

EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:

A 64% Dividend From Gold?

A 64% Dividend From Gold? - Ad

Gold is soaring. But here's what no one's talking about: a way to earn a 64% dividend-paid in real cash every 30 days. No trading. No risky mining stocks. Just one simple move in your brokerage account... and you could start collecting monthly income almost instantly.

UnitedHealthcare Group, Gryphon Digital Mining, AMC Entertainment, Centene, And Tesla: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

Major U.S. indices were mixed on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.9% to 44,494.94 and the S&P 500 declining 0.1% to 6,198.01. The Nasdaq fell 0.8% to 20,202.89. These are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors throughout the day:

Iran's Top Diplomat To UN Says Uranium Enrichment To Continue: An 'Inalienable Right'

Iran reaffirms commitment to nuclear program despite US strikes. Ambassador cites Non-Proliferation Treaty as justification. Impact remains debated.

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling?

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Jeff Brown - the legend who called Tesla and Nvidia early - says Elon is about to launch a $25T AI revolution. This isn't another chatbot. It's real-world AI that could 14X the impact of ChatGPT. But after July 23rd, it may be too late.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Slide Even As Q2 Turns Profitable For Crypto: Analyst Warns About Decline In BTC If The Apex Coin Doesn't Close Above This Level

Leading cryptocurrencies fell on Monday amid speculation that the Trump administration may have a “shadow Fed" before the term of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell ends.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney says trade talks with US resume after Canada rescinded tech tax

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said late Sunday trade talks with U.S. have resumed after Canada rescinded its plan to tax U.S. technology firms.

Elon's Greatest Invention... Hidden in South Memphis?

Elon's Greatest Invention... Hidden in South Memphis? - Ad

In South Memphis, I uncovered what could be Elon Musk's biggest invention yet. It's so secretive, rivals are flying drones to spy on it. If you're serious about investing in AI, now's the time to see what's really going on inside those walls.

Women can be drafted into the Danish military as Russian aggression and military investment grows

HOVELTE, Denmark (AP) — Peering across a dense stretch of woodland outside of Denmark's capital with camouflage paint smeared across her face, 20-year-old Katrine scans the horizon for approaching threats.

Trump asks Supreme Court to remove 3 Democrats on the Consumer Product Safety Commission

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Wednesday asked the to remove three Democratic members of the , who were fired by President and then reinstated by a federal judge.

How to Hack a $1.3T Market

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Forget concrete. The new foundation for real estate success is digital, and Pacaso leads the way. Their tech unlocks a $1.3T real estate market. They've already earned $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history and reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Goldman Just Launched Two New Bond ETFs; Here's Why Investors Should Pay Attention

Goldman Sachs Asset Management debuts two new actively managed fixed income ETFs in response to rising demand for active strategies in a volatile rate landscape.

Elon Musk-Led Tesla Sales Surge 12% In The UK During June: Q2 Deliveries Beat Analyst Estimates

Tesla UK sales surge 12% in June, with 7,891 units sold as Q2 delivery figures exceed expectations. Rival BYD also sees growth.

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ...

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ... - Ad

Apple Sues Ex-Engineer Over Alleged Theft Of Vision Pro Secrets As Snap Prepares AR Glasses Launch

Apple files lawsuit accusing former senior design engineer of stealing confidential information before leaving to work at Snap.

Trump vents online about service provider after conference call marred by glitch

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Monday afternoon, the president of the United States was just another person complaining online about his service provider.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

How a GOP rift over tech regulation doomed a ban on state AI laws in Trump's tax bill

NEW YORK (AP) — A controversial bid to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade seemed on its way to passing as the championed by worked its way through the U.S. Senate.

US Credit Rating Would Fall If Trump's Big Beautiful Bill Is Approved, Says Thomas Massie: Here's What It Means For Americans

Thomas Massie has warned that the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' could tank the U.S. credit rating to BBB, a level that signals financial distress.

Back This Medical AI Tech