Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00890
Among items taken was a USB drive containing a wallet backup.
SurvivesCase description
A Bitcoin holder's apartment was burgled in February 2021. Among items taken was a USB drive containing a wallet backup. The USB was separately stored from the hardware wallet device, which was not taken. A seed recovery from the hardware wallet was used to demonstrate uninterrupted ownership, and the USB wallet was rendered inoperable.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Device loss |
| Custody system | Mobile or software wallet |
| Outcome | Survives |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2021 |
| 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.
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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.