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09/06/2026

British Investor Recovers $4.5M in Lost Bitcoin After 12 Years

What happened: A British investor, identified as "Chris," recovered 61 BTC worth approximately $4.

British Investor Recovers $4.5M in Lost Bitcoin After 12 Years

What happened: A British investor, identified as "Chris," recovered 61 BTC worth approximately $4.5M after losing access for over a decade. The coins were originally purchased for about £1,500 (~$2,000) in December 2011 via the now-defunct Britcoin/Intersango exchange. CEL Solicitors negotiated the recovery, with the case opening in January 2026 and settling in May 2026. Investigators also identified a wallet containing over 5,500 BTC (~$432M), believed to belong to former Intersango users.

Why it matters: This recovery highlights the enduring value of early Bitcoin holdings and the growing sophistication of legal and forensic services in the crypto space. The case may pave the way for other Intersango-era users to reclaim lost assets, potentially unlocking hundreds of millions in dormant coins. It also underscores the risks of unregulated exchanges and the importance of robust custody solutions.

Source: IBTimes UK, CryptoSlate, The Currency Analytics