Forced relocation — software wallet 2013

Blocked

Case description

A Bitcoin holder who was deported from their country of residence in 2013 was unable to retrieve a computer containing their wallet before departure. The device remained at their former address and was eventually seized or disposed of by the landlord. The holder had memorised no seed phrase or key.

Custody context

Stress condition	Forced relocation
Custody system	Mobile or software wallet
Outcome	Blocked
Documentation	Unknown
Year observed	2013
Country	Unknown

Structural dependencies observed

Hardware device requiredLegal process required

What this illustrates

The wallet existed only on that device. When the device became inaccessible, there was no other way back in. Access was not recoverable.

Outcome interpretation

Access was not possible under the reported conditions.

Source

Publicly Reported

Evidence type

Forum post

Evidence link

https://medium.com/@wayne_huang/rsa-2015-panel-bitcoin-s-future-threats-expert-s-roundtable-based-on-150-case-studies-92cc35e68e30

Related cases involving forced relocation

91 cases involve forced relocation 572 cases involve mobile or software wallet View archive statistics →

This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents. Submit a case

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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.