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The German Programmer Stefan Thomas Holds a Fortune of 7,002 Bitcoins on a Locked Ironkey Flash Drive. After Eight Failed Attempts, He Has Only Two Chances Left Before the Device Erases His US$ 4.64 Billion Forever
The German programmer Stefan Thomas is living an unusual drama. Owner of 7,002 Bitcoins, he simply lost the access password to the digital wallet where he stored his fortune. The case began in 2011, when he produced an explanatory video about cryptocurrencies and received the coins as payment.
At the time, Stefan stored the prize on a reinforced security USB flash drive, an Ironkey model, protected by a password.
The value seemed symbolic, but the meteoric rise of Bitcoin turned the forgotten file into a true digital treasure.
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Frustrated Attempts and Risk of Total Lockout
The problem is that Stefan forgot the password. He wrote the code on a note that disappeared, and since then, he has been trying to regain access.
The Ironkey allows only ten attempts before permanently locking the device.
Four years ago, he had already used eight attempts. Therefore, there is only a thread of hope left — and two chances — before he loses the equivalent of one of the largest personal fortunes in the digital world.
Bitcoins: From 230 Million Euros to 735 Million
When the case was reported by the Galileo broadcaster in 2021, Stefan’s fortune was worth about 230 million euros.
Today, with the appreciation of the cryptocurrency, the amount has reached an impressive 735 million euros — or about R$ 4.64 billion.
Despite the astronomical value, the programmer remains calm. He stated in the video at the time that he accepted the situation, even with the unimaginable loss.
Rescue Attempts and Frustrated Promises
In 2023, a company claimed it could break the protection of the flash drive, but Stefan declined the offer. He explained that he had already hired two other companies specialized in the same service, without success.
Meanwhile, his Bitcoins remain inaccessible, trapped by a lost password — and the German continues as the millionaire who cannot touch his own fortune.
With information from Xataka.
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