Satoshi Nakamoto disappeared from the public eye in 2010, leaving behind not only a technological legacy but also a significant fortune: some 1.1 million bitcoins, which, at current prices, are worth approximately $66 billion. The control of this fortune and the mystery surrounding his identity have spawned numerous theories, some of which have been addressed in a new HBO documentary directed by Cullen Hoback, famous for his investigations into conspiracy theories.
As the documentary’s release approaches, Bitcoin wallets linked to the early days of the cryptocurrency have been mysteriously reactivated. A recent movement of 250 bitcoins, worth $15 million, has reignited speculation about who was behind the transactions. This move only fuels the ongoing debate over Nakamoto’s identity, which has already involved several prominent figures in the crypto world.
Here are the four main suspects who have been named over the years as possible creators of Bitcoin:
1. Hal Finney: One of the first programmers to work on Bitcoin, Finney was the first person to receive a transaction from Nakamoto. His close involvement with the project from its early days and his expertise in cryptography have put him at the center of speculation. Finney, however, passed away in 2014, taking with him secrets that could shed light on this mystery.
2. Dorian Nakamoto: In 2014, a controversial report by Newsweek named Dorian Nakamoto, a Japanese-American computer engineer, as the real Satoshi. However, Dorian denied all allegations, stating that he was never involved in the Bitcoin project. The investigation was widely criticized by the cryptocurrency community, who considered the evidence circumstantial and insufficient.
3. Nick Szabo: A computer scientist and cryptography expert, Szabo is known for his work on smart contracts and the creation of a digital currency that predated Bitcoin called Bit Gold. Many speculate that Szabo directly contributed to the development of Bitcoin, although he has denied being Nakamoto. His expertise and involvement with concepts similar to Bitcoin make him a strong candidate.
4. Adam Back: Creator of Hashcash, a technology used as the basis for Bitcoin’s proof-of-work algorithm, Adam Back is another name often mentioned as a possible Nakamoto. Despite his involvement in the precursor technologies to Bitcoin, Back also denies being the creator of the digital currency.
While these theories and speculations have garnered media attention, there is no conclusive evidence to date. Unless Nakamoto or someone close to him reveals irrefutable evidence, such as the use of the private keys associated with the original Bitcoin wallets, the identity of the creator will remain shrouded in mystery.
With the premiere of the HBO documentary on November 9, the world eagerly awaited answers that could shed light on this enigma that has lasted for more than a decade. If Satoshi Nakamoto's identity were to be revealed, the consequences could be global, affecting not only the financial market but also the political scene, with speculation about a possible impact on the United States presidential election.
Regardless of whether or not the identity of Bitcoin's creator is revealed, one thing is certain: Satoshi Nakamoto's legacy is already etched in history as one of the greatest mysteries of the digital age.
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