Someone built an algorithm to find inactive Bitcoin wallets, reported them to the NYPD as "lost property" - and is now suing to own them.

39,069 wallets. ~3.8M BTC.

A Wyoming LLC sued in New York Supreme Court for ownership of 39,069 abandoned Bitcoin wallets. "Noah Doe" created an algorithm to find wallets inactive 5–6 years, then reported them as found property to the NYPD. Owners were notified via blockchain messages, a website, and a press release, given 90 days to respond. Of 42,001 flagged wallets, 2,932 showed activity and were removed. The rest didn't respond. The plaintiff wants the court to declare him owner under New York’s abandoned property law. Wallets reportedly hold ~3.8 million BTC. He lacks private keys. Filed May 1, 2026.

Full indictment here