14-Year Dormant Bitcoin Wallet Activates, Moves $16.6 Million

Key Points:
  • Bitcoin  BTC -0.33% whale awakens after 14 years, moves $16.6 million.
  • Raises Bitcoin quantum vulnerability concerns among investors.
  • Significant sell pressure expected from longtime holders.

A previously dormant Bitcoin wallet containing $442 million transferred $16.6 million on October 24, 2025, after 14 years of inactivity, sparking concerns about quantum security vulnerabilities.

The move raises questions about the security of early Bitcoin addresses and reflects a growing trend among long-term holders reacting to potential quantum threats.

A dormant Bitcoin miner wallet holding 4,000 BTC moved 150 BTC, valued at $16.6 million. This activity is notable following 14 years of inactivity, raising concerns within the crypto community over potential quantum vulnerabilities.

The wallet originates from the Satoshi-era, with coins initially mined in 2009 and consolidated in 2011. The anonymous owner transitioned 150 BTC, sparking discussion about long-term holder activities and security motivations amidst evolving quantum technology.

The transfer of 150 BTC may intensify concerns over potential quantum threats in the crypto space. Nonetheless, no immediate effects on Bitcoin’s market liquidity were reported from this isolated move.

This movement emphasizes the long-term profit realization trend among early Bitcoin holders and highlights increasing anticipation of technological threats like quantum computing, which could compromise Bitcoin’s existing cryptographic security.

Despite the activation of this Bitcoin wallet, overall market impact has been muted given Bitcoin’s robust liquidity. The event highlights a larger trend of dormant whales awakening amidst growing concerns over security.

Expert opinions suggest quantum security threats prompt early holders to relocate Bitcoin, ensuring enhanced security. Historically, Bitcoin awakenings generate temporary jitters, yet the market often absorbs such impacts without persistent value drops. Nicholas Gregory, a Bitcoin OG, has noted, “Early bitcoin addresses may be vulnerable to future quantum attacks, prompting old holders to transfer coins to safer, unexposed addresses.”

Otto Bergmanr

Otte Bergmar is a crypto journalist covering Scandinavian and European blockchain markets, with a focus on decentralisation, privacy, and the AI–crypto interface. He reports on Web3 startups, market structure, and EU policy; from licensing regimes to consumer protection and cross-border compliance. At TokenTopNews, Otte transforms policy drafts, regulatory disclosures, and on-chain data into actionable, decision-ready insights, helping readers understand how regulation influences blockchain adoption across Europe.