Main Points
- Peter Todd has refuted allegations from an HBO documentary asserting that he is Satoshi Nakamoto.
- The documentary has triggered safety fears for Todd, leading him to seek refuge.
Distribute this article
Peter Todd reports that he has gone into hiding due to threats and harassment stemming from an HBO documentary that proposed he could be the mysterious Bitcoin creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.
The film, titled “Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery,” details director Cullen Hoback’s extensive three-year inquiry into Satoshi’s identity and presents evidence asserting a particular individual—Todd—despite his ongoing denial of being Satoshi.
Todd claims that this false narrative has elevated his public profile, unwantedly. The former Bitcoin developer shared with Wired in an interview that he has faced harassment and threats for funds.
“So far, [it’s] a bunch of people asking for money,” Todd stated.
“Obviously, falsely characterizing ordinary individuals as extraordinarily wealthy makes them susceptible to threats like robbery and abduction. Not only is the inquiry absurd, but it is also perilous. Satoshi clearly wished to remain hidden, and rightfully so, and one should not aid those seeking to uncover Satoshi’s identity,” he elaborated.
Todd alleged he was deceived about the documentary’s subject matter. In subsequent statements after the film aired, he expressed discontent with the portrayal, claiming he was unaware of its content during filming and that his participation had been misrepresented.
Todd further criticized Hoback for inflating the evidence and indulging in conspiracy theories, clarifying that he was occupied with studying and working during Bitcoin’s initial development phase.
In light of reactions from the crypto community following the documentary’s release, Hoback defended the importance of identifying Satoshi Nakamoto. Nevertheless, public interest in the film waned swiftly after it garnered attention.
The quest for Satoshi continues to captivate the public’s imagination, and other well-known personalities like Nick Szabo, Hal Finney, and Adam Back have also been speculated to be Satoshi.
Those implicated in being Satoshi often endure relentless public scrutiny, which frequently results in personal and professional ramifications. Dorian Nakamoto, who was revealed by Newsweek as Bitcoin’s creator a decade ago, claimed to have experienced media invasions and violations of privacy following the accusation.
Opinions within the crypto community are divided, and no single name has garnered widespread acceptance. Satoshi’s identity remains an enigma yet to be unraveled and is likely to persist in intriguing those fascinated by unresolved mysteries.
