Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00653
Device lost — software wallet (2019)
SurvivesCase description
A Bitcoin holder's tablet, used exclusively for cold wallet access, was confiscated in May 2019 by police in connection with a neighbour's criminal investigation. The tablet was held for four months. No warrant was obtained before return. Upon return the tablet's operating system had been analysed and the wallet file copied, though the passphrase was never compromised.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Device loss |
| Custody system | Mobile or software wallet |
| Outcome | Survives |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2019 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
Outcome interpretation
Access remained possible under the reported conditions.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
Forum post
Evidence link
Related cases involving device loss
This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents.
Submit a case
← All cases
Framework references
Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority
Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.
Professional Scope Boundary Matrix
What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.
The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody
How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.
Translate