Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00340
The bank closed that branch and moved all safe deposit box contents to a central
BlockedCase description
A hardware wallet user had stored their seed in a sealed envelope in a bank safe deposit box. In July 2016 the bank closed that branch and moved all safe deposit box contents to a central facility. The envelope was mixed with other items during the move and could not be located. Bank staff searched for three months without result.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Seed phrase unavailable |
| Custody system | Hardware wallet (single key) |
| Outcome | Blocked |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2016 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
What this illustrates
Getting access back required help from an institution — and that help wasn't available. Access was not recoverable.
Outcome interpretation
Access was not possible under the reported conditions.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
Forum post
Evidence link
Related cases involving seed phrase unavailable
146 cases involve seed phrase unavailable
274 cases involve hardware wallet (single key)
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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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