Shivangi Sinha
The quest to identify the mysterious creator of Bitcoin has been ongoing for years, fueled by curiosity about the significant wealth associated with the identity. Satoshi Nakamoto is believed to control around one million Bitcoins, which would make him one of the richest individuals in the world. In 2014, a news article suggested that a man named Dorian Nakamoto might be the elusive figure behind Bitcoin, reigniting interest in the search. HBO’s ‘Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery’ explores this theory, among others, examining the credibility of the claim and the broader implications of uncovering Nakamoto’s identity.
Dorian Nakamoto’s Professional History Made Others Speculate About His Connection to Bitcoin
In 2014, Dorian Nakamoto, a Japanese-American man from California, was thrust into the spotlight when Newsweek journalist Leah McGrath Goodman accused him of being Satoshi Nakamoto, the elusive creator of Bitcoin. The article claimed that Dorian’s background as a computer engineer and his involvement in classified government projects made him a strong candidate for the Bitcoin creator. Goodman pointed to several pieces of circumstantial evidence, including Dorian’s strong mathematical skills and a comment that was reportedly misinterpreted as an admission of his involvement with Bitcoin. This claim, combined with his tendency to keep a low profile, led to a media frenzy.
Shortly after the article’s release, Nakamoto strongly denied the accusations. In a public statement, he clarified that he had no connection to Bitcoin and had only learned about the cryptocurrency through his son. Nakamoto explained that his comment had been taken out of context. The real Satoshi Nakamoto also resurfaced in March 2014 through the P2P Foundation (where he had last been publicly active) forum to confirm that Dorian was not the creator of Bitcoin.
The Theory Supporting Dorian’s Alleged Identity is Not Very Reliable
Over the years, the theory suggesting that Dorian Nakamoto is Satoshi Nakamoto has largely been debunked for various reasons. One significant red flag is the coincidence of their names; many questioned how someone could go to such great lengths to conceal their identity yet retain the same name. Dorian has stated that when Bitcoin was created, he was working as on several projects for the government. He had been laid off from several engineering jobs and lacked many opportunities in his field.
This background led Leah McGrath Goodman to argue that his circumstances may have inspired him to adopt a libertarian viewpoint and create an anti-state technology. However, Dorian has consistently contended that he did not possess the necessary skills to develop Bitcoin. Additionally, the public has observed that Dorian lived a humble and ordinary lifestyle, which contrasts sharply with the image of a trillionaire that the media painted him to be. His modest living conditions and straightforward way of life further undermine the notion that he could be the wealthy creator of Bitcoin, casting doubt on the validity of the claims made against him.
Dorian Nakamoto Sold All His Bitcoins A Few Years After the Controversy
In June 2017, as the Bitcoin market was experiencing a significant downturn, it was reported that Dorian Nakamoto sold his share of Bitcoin. Following the intense media scrutiny he faced after being falsely identified as Satoshi Nakamoto, the Bitcoin community rallied around him and generously donated 67 BTC to support him in 2014. This gesture was a way for the community to express their solidarity and provide assistance during a challenging time in his life. By 2017, with Bitcoin’s value having surged, Dorian sold the donated Bitcoin for approximately $273,000.
Dorian Nakamoto is Often Seen at Cryptography Events Today
Now, Dorian Nakamoto maintains a very low profile, and understandably so. His email address was unethically leaked to the journalist, and he was accosted in his own driveway. The intrusion into his life extended to details as small as the car he drives, which were also made public. Currently settled in Temple City, California, some reports suggest that his home is located quite close to that of Hal Finney, another figure often speculated to be Satoshi Nakamoto.
Despite the chaos in the past, Dorian has gradually begun attending talks and events related to cryptocurrency, where he shares his technical insights on stage. However, his family has endured considerable stress over the years due to constant media scrutiny. Now, they strive to enjoy their privacy as best as they can, relishing the quieter moments of their lives away from the spotlight that once disrupted their peace.
Read More: Nick Szabo: Where is the Cryptographer Now?
