Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00057
Owner incapacity — software wallet 2013
ConstrainedCase description
A Bitcoin miner who was incarcerated in 2013 left behind a computer with a significant wallet balance. Family members who attempted to access the wallet to pay legal fees were unable to decrypt it. The passphrase was known only to the incarcerated person who could not communicate it securely from detention.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Owner incapacity |
| Custody system | Mobile or software wallet |
| Outcome | Constrained |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2013 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
What this illustrates
The wallet existed only on that device. When the device became inaccessible, there was no other way back in. 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
Forum post
Related cases involving owner incapacity
68 cases involve owner incapacity
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.
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