Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00929
Device lost — software wallet (2021)
SurvivesCase description
A Bitcoin developer lost their primary development laptop in a coffee shop in November 2021. The laptop contained a test wallet with real funds. The finder returned the laptop to lost property. When recovered a week later, the wallet was intact as the finder had not been able to access the encrypted drive.
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.
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