Claims of Quantum Computers Draining Bitcoin from Dormant Wallets
- Former trader Josh Mandell claims quantum computers are siphoning Bitcoin from long-dormant wallets, particularly those of deceased owners.
- Mandell alleges that a “large player” is extracting BTC off-market, avoiding price disruptions and detection.
- Experts argue current quantum technology lacks the capability to break Bitcoin’s cryptographic defenses, with realistic threats still at least a decade away.
- Over an estimated 2.3 million-3.7 million BTC are believed to be lost due to forgotten private keys or inactive wallets.
- No onchain evidence supports Mandell’s claims, with movements in dormant wallets often attributed to voluntary reactivations or migrations.
Mandell’s assertions raise concerns about the security of Bitcoin, yet experts emphasize that today’s quantum computing technology is insufficient for such attacks. The ongoing debate highlights the need for vigilance as advancements in quantum computing continue.
As of now, no verified thefts linked to quantum computing have been reported, suggesting that while vulnerabilities exist, they remain unexploited.(Source)
