A new documentary is shaking up the world of cryptocurrency by claiming to have uncovered the true identity of Bitcoin’s enigmatic creator. Since Bitcoin was introduced by the mysterious figure Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, the question of their identity has captivated audiences everywhere.
The filmmakers of HBO’s “Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery” are putting their bets on Canadian cryptocurrency expert Peter Todd as the elusive Satoshi. However, Todd has firmly rejected this assertion, calling it “ludicrous.” In a striking moment captured in the documentary, filmmaker Cullen Hoback confronts Todd with the supposed evidence and asks if he is indeed behind the multi-trillion-dollar creation. Todd responds with skepticism and laughter, later taking to social media to clarify, “I am not Satoshi Nakamoto.”
The intrigue surrounding Satoshi goes beyond their anonymity; it’s also tied to the staggering fortune they may control. Should Satoshi still have access to their Bitcoin wallet, it’s estimated to be worth around $69 billion, which would place them among the 20 wealthiest individuals globally.
Peter Todd, recognized for various contributions to Bitcoin’s development, hasn’t been a front-runner in the list of potential identities for Satoshi. However, the buzz surrounding the documentary has sparked considerable interest, leading to over $44 million in bets on crypto platforms like Polymarket on who the documentary would name as Satoshi before its release.
Cullen Hoback, known for his investigations into anonymous online figures, asserts that his conclusion linking Todd to Satoshi is grounded in thorough research and interviews. A crucial piece of evidence he offers is a forum post from Todd that seems to follow up on a discussion initiated by Satoshi. Moreover, Todd once claimed online that he had purposely destroyed a significant amount of Bitcoin, which bolsters speculation that Satoshi may have intentionally distanced themselves from the large reserve of original coins.
Currently, approximately 1.1 million Bitcoins remain untouched, valued at an extraordinary sum, which accounts for about 5% of all Bitcoins. Satoshi also capped the total supply at 21 million coins. Todd maintains that his posting history provides clear proof that he was not involved in Bitcoin’s creation, explaining that he was “too busy with school and work” during that time.
Historically, various individuals from the tech world have been suggested as Bitcoin’s creator. In 2014, Newsweek named Dorian Nakamoto, a Japanese-American resident in California, as Satoshi, but he strongly denied the claim, which has since been largely discredited. A 2015 investigation by Wired and Gizmodo pointed to Australian computer scientist Craig Wright, who later proclaimed himself Satoshi, but faced overwhelming skepticism from the community. A UK High Court judge ultimately concluded there was “overwhelming” evidence that Wright is not the true creator of Bitcoin.
Even Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, has dismissed claims of being Satoshi after a former SpaceX employee speculated about the possibility. Many within the Bitcoin community believe that keeping Satoshi’s identity secret enhances the appeal and integrity of this decentralized currency. Adam Black, another prominent developer and potential Satoshi candidate, echoed this sentiment on social media, stating, “No one knows who Satoshi is, and that’s a good thing.”
