British investor recovers £3.3 million in Bitcoin after 12‑year loss

A British investor identified only as Chris has regained control of 61 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at about £3.3 million, after the assets were inaccessible for over a decade following the failure of the UK exchange Intersango.

Background and original investment

Chris bought Bitcoin in 2011, spending £1,500 when the price was £2.94 per coin. By the time Intersango collapsed in early 2014, his holdings were worth roughly £4,000. The exchange, originally operating as Britcoin, ceased responding to withdrawal requests and eventually went offline, leaving users unable to access their funds.

Legal recovery process

In January 2026 Chris engaged CEL Solicitors, a firm that specialises in cryptocurrency recovery. Lawyers gathered historic bank statements, emails and exchange records to prove ownership of the 61 BTC and prepared documentation for US courts. The claim was settled on 28 May 2026 after roughly four months of negotiations, without a court judgment.

Potential wider impact

CEL Solicitors estimates that more than 5,500 BTC may still be linked to former Intersango users. Claimants would need to provide similar evidence to establish their entitlement to any portion of those assets.

Regulatory context

Intersango operated before the UK introduced a formal crypto‑asset regulatory framework. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is now preparing to enforce a new regime, with an application period running from September 2026 to February 2027 and full implementation expected in October 2027.

Future plans

Chris has transferred the recovered Bitcoin to an FCA‑regulated platform and intends to keep part of the holdings in crypto while converting some to cash for personal use, including purchasing a larger home for his family.