US couple sued Ethereum makers for 3,000 ethers
Couple can’t get their 3,000 ethers. (Image: Viktoryabov / Shutterstock.com)
They bought 3,000 ethers seven years ago and have not had access to their wallet since then – now a US couple want to sue the Ethereum Foundation. But the story is not entirely coherent.
In 2014, the Ethereum Foundation, as the organization behind the corresponding blockchain and what is currently the second largest cryptocurrency, started a pre-sale. On this occasion, the couple Yuki and Art Williams from the US capital Washington bought 3,000 ethers – for 1.5 Bitcoin. At the time, the coins were worth just under $ 1,000; they are currently around $ 7.8 million. The problem: The Williams’ can’t get their money and blame the Ethereum developers for it.
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Couple raises money for Ethereum lawsuit
Now the couple want to raise $ 250,000 via crowdfunding in order to be able to sue the Ethereum Foundation in a Swiss court. Specifically, Yuki and Art Williams are concerned with a Json file. Those who took part in the Ether presale in 2014 had to download these. This would then have contained the private keys to the wallet. The couple said they never received this file.
A detail of the narrative leaves observers: inside but questioning. Because Art Williams told the news channel ABC-7 news, at the time there was a hint not to switch off the computer for an hour and a half while it was charging. However, this notice cannot be found on the website of the 2014 campaign saved via Waybackmachine. In addition, even with the worst internet connection, a Json file should be downloaded in just a few seconds, such as Golem writes.
Does Ethereum Foundation have old json file?
What also speaks against the success of a lawsuit by the Williams’ against Ethereum: In one Youtube video It can be seen that, as part of the sales campaign, buyers were clearly advised not to transfer the Bitcoin until the Json file with the wallet password had been downloaded. In addition, it is very unlikely that the Ethereum Foundation even has the Json file left. Otherwise she would theoretically have keys to all wallets of the buyers at the time: inside.
After all: the wallet with the 3,000 ethers is loud Research by Mashable. And it has actually not been touched since 2014. The wallet and the 7.8 million euros should ultimately be lost. It is also interesting that a settlement offer from a Swiss arbitration authority fizzled out. In response to earlier complaints from the Williams’, 2,750 ethers were offered. Now the lawsuit should clarify.
