Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00238
Multisig quorum failure — software wallet (2015)
BlockedCase description
A partnership that had set up a 3-of-5 cold storage arrangement in 2013 attempted to access funds in July 2015. Of the five key holders, one had died, one was unreachable, and one had formatted their device during a laptop replacement. With only two remaining accessible keys, they were one short of the 3-of-5 quorum needed to sign a transaction.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Multisig quorum failure |
| Custody system | Mobile or software wallet |
| Outcome | Blocked |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2015 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
What this illustrates
There was only one way in. When that path was gone, so was access. Access was not recoverable.
Outcome interpretation
Access was not possible under the reported conditions.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
Forum post
Related cases involving multisig quorum failure
77 cases involve multisig quorum failure
572 cases involve mobile or software wallet
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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.