Sanctions lockout — software wallet (2019)

Constrained

Case description

Venezuelan Bitcoin holders in July 2019 faced compounding access difficulties: US sanctions on Venezuela's government extended to financial transactions, making it harder to use foreign exchanges; local electricity outages meant devices couldn't be reliably charged; and physical security deteriorated. Several holders reported losing access to funds during multi-day power blackouts.

Custody context

Stress condition	Forced relocation
Custody system	Mobile or software wallet
Outcome	Constrained
Documentation	Unknown
Year observed	2019
Country	Venezuela

Structural dependencies observed

Legal process requiredHardware device required

What this illustrates

Before anyone could access the funds, a legal process had to be completed first. Whether full access was ultimately possible is unclear, but significant delay or outside intervention was involved.

Outcome interpretation

Access remained possible, but only with delay, dependence, or significant difficulty.

Source

Publicly Reported

Evidence type

News article

Evidence link

https://masterthecrypto.com/bitcoin-scams/

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.