The crypto community remains skeptical after a British businessman accused of fraud held a press conference today declaring that he is the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin (BTC), Satoshi Nakamoto.
The event was announced in a press release yesterday.
“Nakamoto, whose whitepaper launched the world’s first decentralized cryptocurrency in 2008, has cited growing legal pressures as a driving factor for this decision. ‘The time has come for me to officially reveal my identity. I am facing significant legal challenges, and I believe the world deserves to know the truth,’ Nakamoto stated.
The announcement coincides with the anniversary of Bitcoin’s whitepaper release and will provide verifiable proof to confirm Nakamoto’s identity once and for all. This unprecedented revelation marks the end of more than 15 years of anonymity and signals a new chapter for Bitcoin and Blockchain technology.”
The event reportedly cost 500 euros (~$540) to get in, according to BBC cyber correspondent Joe Tidy, who attended the event without paying.
In a thread on the social media platform X, Tidy paints a picture of a press conference that is bizarre, unprofessional, and unlikely to convince anyone that the British businessman in question, Stephen Mollah, is the true creator of BTC.
“Organizer Charles Anderson takes to the stage. Says he’s only had 2 hours of sleep in 48 hrs since they announced this event. Been bombarded with calls from all over the world. He also claims to have invented ‘energy recovery systems’ in cars. And the show Britain’s Got Talent.
Someone from the prestigious Front Line Club where this event is being held has interrupted to insist that Charles make it clear that this is not an affiliated or endorsed event for the club. A reporter has walked out.
A man called Stephen Mollah has taken to the stage. He claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto – the mystery inventor of Bitcoin. He’s claimed this before and is currently in legal dispute about it. He will now provide evidence, he says.”
Per Tidy’s tweets, Mollah and the event organizer had trouble getting their laptop working and never presented any evidence that he is, in fact, the creator of BTC.
“Journalists (including myself) have interrupted Mr. Mollah’s long backstory and asked for him to show the promised evidence. Been here nearly an hour and people are restless and increasingly rude. Mr. Mollah’s cheek is twitching rapidly as he stares down a skeptical crowd…
Mr. Mollah is showing a series of easy-to-fake screenshots. I asked if he will move some of the Genesis bitcoins to finally prove he is Satoshi. He said he will in the next few months. I have left the conference.”
It appears that the identity of Nakamoto will remain unconfirmed for now.
In other Nakamoto news, the Plan B Initiative unveiled a new statue to honor the BTC creator last week.
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Featured Image: Shutterstock/Alex Volot
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