Satoshi Nakamoto: The Ghost of Bitcoin

On October 31, 2008, a whitepaper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System” was published by an author using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. A few months later, in January 2009, the first block of the Bitcoin blockchain — the Genesis Block — was mined. Thus began what would become the largest decentralized financial experiment of the digital age. 

Satoshi interacted with developers and enthusiasts via emails and forums until April 2011. In his last known message, he stated: “I’ve moved on to other things. It’s in good hands with Gavin and everyone.” Since then, absolute silence.

Satoshi's absence has generated a series of theories. One links his departure to the involvement of Gavin Andresen, one of the main developers of Bitcoin, who, in 2011, was invited to present the project at CIA headquarters. Shortly after, Satoshi disappeared completely. Coincidence?  

Journalistic investigations have attempted to uncover his identity. In 2014, Newsweek pointed to Dorian Nakamoto, a retired engineer from California, as the creator of Bitcoin. Dorian vehemently denied it. In 2016, Australian Craig Wright claimed to be Satoshi, but failed to provide convincing evidence and was later unmasked as an impostor. 

The FBI, in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), stated that it “can neither confirm nor deny the existence of records pertaining to Satoshi Nakamoto.” The CIA took the same stance. This standard response, known as the Glomar response, only fueled further speculation.   

Currently, it is estimated that Satoshi holds about 1 million bitcoins, never moved since their creation. At today’s value, that would place him among the richest people in the world. However, his fortune remains untouched, as a silent reminder of his legacy.

The identity of Satoshi Nakamoto continues to be one of the greatest mysteries of the digital age. And perhaps it is better this way.