Bitcoin 'whale' not seen since 2013 suddenly moved $40M of Bitcoin after over a decade of inactivity
Published on May 13, 2026 at 9:36 AM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on May 22, 2026 at 4:38 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
A mysterious Bitcoin wallet that had been completely silent since 2013 has suddenly sprung back to life and moved around $40 million worth of Bitcoin in a single transaction.
The so-called Bitcoin ‘whale’ had been inactive for more than 12 years before transferring 500 BTC to a brand-new wallet address.
Crypto watchers immediately started tracking the movement because dormant wallets from Bitcoin’s early days rarely wake up without causing major speculation online.
And because the coins were originally worth less than half a million dollars back in 2013, the owner has effectively watched the value explode by roughly 87 times over the past decade.
How the Bitcoin ‘whale’ suddenly reappeared with millions
The transfer was first spotted on May 10 by blockchain tracking services that monitor huge crypto transactions.
According to reports, the wallet originally received the 500 Bitcoin in November 2013 when BTC was trading at around $923 per coin; at the time, the stash was worth about $461,000.
Fast forward to 2026 and that same amount of Bitcoin is now worth roughly $40 million.
The coins were moved into a newer-style wallet address, but interestingly, analysts noted that the funds were not sent to a known cryptocurrency exchange.
That is important because it suggests the owner may not actually be preparing to sell the crypto coins.
CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju reportedly described the move as looking more like ‘OTC prep’ rather than panic selling, with the transaction fees also being unusually low.
Dormant crypto wallets waking up is becoming a major trend
The revived whale wallet was not the only ancient crypto account to suddenly become active.
Reports claim wallets dating back to between 2013 and 2017 collectively moved more than 859 Bitcoin during the same period, totaling almost $70 million worth of BTC.
These kinds of transfers tend to send the crypto world into detective mode because nobody ever really knows whether the owner is cashing out, upgrading security, or simply moving coins around after forgetting about them for years.
The fact that early holders are still sitting on fortunes from the cryptocurrency’s earliest days continues to fascinate investors, especially as Bitcoin remains one of the most closely watched digital assets in the world.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
