Peter Todd says he has gone into hiding due to harassment and safety concerns following an HBO documentary that suggested he might be the elusive Bitcoin inventor, Satoshi Nakamoto.
The documentary, titled “Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery,” chronicles director Cullen Hoback’s three-year investigation into who Satoshi might be and presents evidence suggesting a specific individual, although that person, Todd, has consistently refuted claims that he is Satoshi.
Although Todd has stated that this is a false claim, being accused of being Satoshi has put him in the public eye. The former Bitcoin developer told Wired in an interview that he received harassment and threats, including requests for money.
“So far, [it’s] a bunch of people asking for money,” Todd said.
“Obviously, falsely claiming that ordinary people of ordinary wealth are extraordinarily rich exposes them to threats like robbery and kidnapping. Not only is the question dumb, it’s dangerous. Satoshi obviously didn’t want to be found, for good reasons, and no one should help people trying to find Satoshi,” he added.
Todd claimed he was misled about the film’s focus. In separate statements following the release of the film, he expressed frustration, asserting that he was unaware of the film’s content until it aired and that his involvement was misrepresented.
Todd also criticized Hoback for exaggerating the evidence and engaging in conspiracy thinking. He added that he was busy with school and work during Bitcoin’s early development.
Hoback, in response to backlash from the crypto community after the release of his documentary, argued that identifying Satoshi Nakamoto was important. However, public interest in the film faded as quickly as it gained attention.
The hunt for Satoshi continues to be a subject of public interest and speculation. Not only Peter Todd, but a number of prominent figures, such as Nick Szabo, Hal Finney, and Adam Back, have been speculated to be Satoshi.
Individuals accused of being Satoshi have found themselves under intense public scrutiny, which often leads to personal and professional repercussions. Dorian Nakamoto, who was identified as the creator of Bitcoin by Newsweek ten years ago, said he went through media intrusions and privacy violations after the accusation.
There is a split in opinion among crypto community members. No name is widely supported by the public. Satoshi’s identity remains a riddle yet to be solved and may still continue to haunt those who are fascinated by unsolved mysteries.
