61 Bitcoin recovery sparks $432M hunt for old Intersango exchange users

A UK investor has recovered 61 Bitcoin (BTC) worth nearly $5 million from Intersango, a now-defunct early Bitcoin exchange. The case highlights a larger pool of over 5,500 BTC—currently valued at around $432 million—that may still belong to former users of the platform.

Intersango, which shut down over a decade ago, left many users without access to their funds. Legal firm CEL Solicitors has traced the 5,500 BTC and says former customers may still have valid claims if they can provide proof of ownership, such as old emails, bank records, or support tickets.

Key numbers from the recovery effort

• 5,500 BTC traced by CEL, worth roughly $433.5 million at current prices.
• 61 BTC recovered by a UK user, now valued at about $4.81 million.
• 15.46 BTC identified in court records, worth around $1.22 million today.
• 625 BTC sold by Intersango in 2012 for $7,563—now worth approximately $49.3 million.

Why old records now matter

When Intersango operated, Bitcoin traded for as little as $12.10. A balance of just 10 BTC, worth $121 at the time, would now be valued at roughly $788,000. This dramatic increase in value means that even small, forgotten balances could justify the effort to recover them.

CEL notes that the biggest challenge for claimants is proving ownership. Evidence like account emails, bank statements, or old support tickets—once worth little—can now unlock significant sums. The firm’s successful recovery of 61 BTC demonstrates that decade-old claims can still be resolved.

Legal battles and unresolved claims

Court documents from a 2025 case in California describe disputes over Intersango’s remaining assets. Allegations include that the exchange’s operator retained customer funds after its closure. A separate filing mentions a confirmed balance of 15.46 BTC, now worth about $1.22 million, showing that some user balances were documented before the platform disappeared.

Intersango began winding down in late 2012, and its website went offline by early 2014. Official records show the company ceased to exist in March 2016.

What happens next

Former Intersango users with surviving records can attempt to claim their share of the traced Bitcoin. The process involves gathering evidence and working with legal teams to verify ownership. The 61 BTC recovery serves as a precedent, proving that even long-dormant claims can succeed.

Sources

• CryptoSlate