Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00143
Documentation absent — exchange 2014
IndeterminateCase description
The post-Mt. Gox environment revealed that several long-running Bitcoin forum-based OTC traders who held 'escrow' for third-party trades had no documented terms of custody. When disputes arose, there was no documented rate of return, no documented deadline for return, and no independent verification that the escrowed BTC had not been rehypothecated.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Documentation absent |
| Custody system | Exchange custody |
| Outcome | Indeterminate |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2014 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
What this illustrates
There was no documentation of how access worked. Without it, there was no path back in. It's not clear whether anyone ever regained access.
Outcome interpretation
Not enough information is available to determine the outcome.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
Forum post
Evidence link
Related cases involving documentation absent
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.
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