The true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of bitcoin, has long been shrouded in mystery. A recent HBO documentary titled Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery has gathered various pieces of information and evidence, claiming to have uncovered the solution.
According to the documentary, Nakamoto is actually Peter Todd, a Canadian developer and cryptography expert who has been significantly involved in the cryptocurrency realm since the inception of bitcoin.
When approached for an interview, Todd reportedly had no idea that the documentary aimed to reveal Nakamoto’s true identity. Instead, he says he believed the production was focused on the history of bitcoin.
During the HBO film, Todd humorously said, “I’m Satoshi,” referencing an old meme popular among crypto enthusiasts. However, in a subsequent interview with CoinDesk, he clarified: “Of course I’m not Satoshi.”
Most recently, he told Wired, “I think [documentary director] Cullen Hoback made the Satoshi accusation for marketing. He needed a way to get attention for his film.” However, Hoback stands by his theory, stating, “While of course we can’t outright say he is Satoshi, I think that we made a very strong case.”
Regardless of whether Todd is Nakamoto or not, one thing is certain: He has disappeared.
The reason for his disappearance is understandable. The documentary has resulted in a flood of unwanted emails. “So far, [it’s] a bunch of people asking for money,” Todd told Wired. In one instance, someone sent him 25 messages in just two days, pleading for help to pay off a loan.
Additionally, the Canadian developer says he expects “continued harassment by crazy people.” The implications this harassment has for his personal safety have led him to decide to go off the grid.
He told Wired:
“Obviously, falsely claiming that ordinary people of ordinary wealth are extraordinarily rich exposes them to threats like robbery and kidnapping. Not only is the question dumb, it’s dangerous. Satoshi obviously didn’t want to be found, for good reasons, and no one should help people trying to find Satoshi.”
Hoback believes that Todd’s claims are exaggerated and argues that revealing Nakamoto’s identity serves the public interest. In any case, the evidence presented in his HBO documentary is largely circumstantial and far from conclusive.
Todd even sent photos to Wired to prove he was doing other activities, such as skiing and caving, while Nakamoto posted messages on the forums. However, he admits that merely denying the accusation isn’t enough.
Hoback explains that if someone assumes Nakamoto is sophisticated enough, then “any theory is possible.” He concludes that the question is “useless” because the creator of bitcoin, whoever that might be, would simply deny any claims. Logically, this is what Todd is doing as well.
Image | Ali Hadadi Kia
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