The mystery of Bitcoin’s enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, continues to spark intrigue. In a recent theory, researchers suggest Satoshi never truly vanished but has been carefully cashing out early Bitcoin wallets under the guise of the so-called “2010 megawhale.”
🕵️♂️ The 2010 Megawhale Unveiled
According to Bitcoin research firm BTCparser, a set of Bitcoin wallets created in 2010—each holding exactly 50 BTC—remained untouched for nearly a decade. Then, in November 2019, these wallets “awakened,” marking the first signs of activity in what is now referred to as the “2010 megawhale.”
The theory speculates that these wallets belong to none other than Satoshi Nakamoto. While Nakamoto’s original 2009 wallets remain untouched, these 2010 wallets have been liquidated incrementally, suggesting a meticulously planned effort to maintain anonymity while cashing out.
🧩 Why the 2010 Wallets?
BTCparser believes this strategy is deliberate. By avoiding transactions from the 2009 wallets, Satoshi (if this theory is true) keeps attention away from the original Bitcoin stash, which is often scrutinized by researchers and the crypto community.
“Using later coins ensures privacy, avoids suspicion, and reduces the chances of revealing Satoshi’s identity,” BTCparser noted.
💰 How the Bitcoin Was Sold
The funds from these wallets followed a strategic liquidation process:
1. Pooled to P2SH Addresses: The funds were first combined in addresses commonly used for escrow purposes.
2. Distributed to Bech32 Addresses: These modern Bitcoin addresses, known for low fees and efficient use of block space, were then used to split the funds.
3. Strategic Sales:
• November 2019: $5 million worth of Bitcoin sold.
• 2020: Two sales of $6–8 million and $11–13 million.
• November 2024: A massive $176 million liquidation.
These sales align with Bitcoin’s rising value, indicating a calculated approach to maximize profits while maintaining stealth.
⚡ Implications for Bitcoin’s Creator
If Satoshi is behind these wallets, it showcases a level of foresight and planning that aligns with the mythos of Bitcoin’s creator. However, BTCparser is quick to point out that this remains a theory, not a conclusion.
🔍 Who Is Satoshi?
Theories abound about Satoshi’s identity:
• Nick Szabo, Adam Back, Hal Finney: All names frequently tied to the creator’s mystery, though each has denied the connection.
• Peter Todd: Recently speculated to be Satoshi in a controversial HBO documentary, though Todd and many experts refuted these claims.
Even Coinbase, where the liquidations occurred, may hold answers—if these transactions didn’t involve intermediaries.
🌟 What This Means for the Crypto World
This theory breathes new life into Bitcoin’s origin story, sparking fresh curiosity about its creator and their motivations. Whether or not the “2010 megawhale” is Satoshi, the calculated strategy behind these wallet movements reflects the innovation and secrecy that has always defined Bitcoin’s history.
Could this be Satoshi’s way of remaining anonymous while quietly stepping back into the spotlight? Only time—and blockchain analysis—will tell.
