Bitcoin News Today: Quantum Fears Spark 14-Year-Dormant Bitcoin Wallet's First Move

A long-dormant Bitcoin wallet holding 4,000 BTC—valued at approximately $442 million—has reawakened after 14 years of inactivity, sparking speculation about potential selling pressure and quantum computing risks. The wallet, identified as 18eY9o, transferred 150 BTC ($16.6 million) on October 24, 2025, marking its first movement since 2011, according to Coindesk. The transaction, tracked by on-chain analytics firm Lookonchain, has drawn attention from analysts who note a broader trend of early Bitcoin holders liquidating or relocating their holdings as the asset approaches psychological price levels.

The move coincides with growing concerns over quantum computing's potential to crack early Bitcoin addresses. Nicholas Gregory, a Bitcoin OG, warned that pre-2013 addresses could be vulnerable to future quantum attacks, prompting holders to transfer coins to newer, more secure wallets. This theory gains traction amid Google's recent breakthrough in quantum computing. The tech giant unveiled the "Quantum Echoes" algorithm, which ran 13,000 times faster than classical supercomputers on its Willow quantum chip, according to The Outpost. While Google emphasized the algorithm's applications in drug discovery and materials science, experts like Dries Sels of New York University cautioned that classical algorithms could still rival quantum methods.

The Bitcoin market's volatility further intensified as the U.S. Department of Justice announced a $1.3 billion crypto forfeiture case against Prince Holding Group, a development that preceded unusual movements from LuBian mining pool wallets. On October 15, LuBian transferred 11,886 BTC ($1.3 billion), followed by another 15,959 BTC ($1.83 billion) on October 22, according to Yahoo Finance. Analysts speculate these transfers could signal defensive repositioning amid regulatory scrutiny or a strategic reallocation ahead of potential liquidation.

Meanwhile, institutional demand for Bitcoin remains robust. BlackRock's IBIT spot Bitcoin ETF recorded a $210.9 million net inflow on October 22, according to Farside Investors. The surge underscores growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin as a hedge against economic uncertainty, with ETFs acting as conduits for large-scale BTC purchases.

The quantum computing narrative has also gained political momentum. The Trump administration is reportedly negotiating equity stakes in quantum firms like IonQ and Rigetti Computing, aiming to secure a foothold in the sector, according to The Wall Street Journal. These efforts align with global competition in quantum technology, as China and U.S. tech giants vie for dominance.

Market participants remain divided on the implications. While some view the dormant wallet's movement as a bearish signal, others see it as a routine rotation by early adopters capitalizing on Bitcoin's all-time highs. The interplay between quantum advancements, regulatory actions, and institutional flows will likely shape Bitcoin's trajectory in the coming months.