Quantum threat to Bitcoin? 80,000 BTC just moved after 14 years

Key Points

1. Eight dormant Bitcoin wallets moved 80,000 BTC on July 4, 2025, with each wallet containing 10,000 BTC, leading to speculation about quantum threats and the owner's identity.

2. Quantum threats to Bitcoin primarily affect older wallets using P2PK or reused P2PKH addresses, exposing public keys and making them vulnerable; 5.9 million BTC (25% of supply) are at risk.

3. The wallet owner later sent 28,600 BTC to Galaxy Digital, selling 9,000 BTC, which may have triggered a 5% price drop on July 15, 2025.

4. Experts estimate practical quantum attacks could occur between 2030-2048, with old wallets being the most vulnerable due to exposed public keys.

5. Bitcoin developers have proposed a BIP to phase out quantum-vulnerable wallets, potentially affecting 25% of Bitcoin's supply, including Satoshi Nakamoto's estimated 1 million BTC.

6. Speculation suggests the whale could be Roger Ver, an early Bitcoin adopter arrested in 2024 for tax evasion, released just before the BTC movement.

7. OP_RETURN messages were added to the Bitcoin blockchain from July 1-4, 2025, with one suggesting a legal notice or spam campaign targeting dormant wallets.