Who is Satoshi? Crypto lawyer sues DHS to reveal Satoshi Nakamoto's identity
|- Crypto attorney James Murphy, popularly known as "MetalLawMan", files a lawsuit against DHS to reveal Satoshi Nakamoto's identity.
- The lawsuit is based on Special Agent Rana Saoud's 2019 claim that the DHS had uncovered the creator of Bitcoin.
- Murphy argues that Bitcoin's popularity demands that the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto be revealed.
- The lawsuit seeks access to notes, emails and documents related to an in-person interview with Satoshi by the DHS.
James Murphy, a cryptocurrency lawyer popularly known to his followers on X as "MetalLawMan," has filed a lawsuit in a D.C. District Court against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He intends to uncover the real face or faces behind Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin (BTC). Murphy says this is the "great mystery of the 21st century," especially with Bitcoin becoming popular among investors.
Who is the Bitcoin creator?
Revealing Satoshi Nakamoto's identity has intrigued crypto enthusiasts since the coin's inception in 2009. As Bitcoin's popularity grows, coupled with its adoption as a global financial asset, so does the quest to learn the true identity of the mystery figure behind it.
Nakamoto disappeared shortly after Bitcoin's inception. His last public message on the BitcoinTalk forum was on April 23, 2011, stating, "I've moved on to other things. It's in good hands with Gavin and everyone."
In an X thread, Murphy outlined that he had "filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)" lawsuit against the DHS. This lawsuit seeks access to documents on claims made by Rana Saoud, a high-ranking DHS special Agent in 2019, that the Cabinet agency "had found and interviewed (in person) Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto" in California.
Murphy said Saoud made the remarks publicly during an "Offshore Alert Conference on Financial Intelligence & Investigations" in 2019. The agency learned that three other individuals assisted Satoshi in creating the world's most valuable asset.
Murphy's lawsuit seeks access to documents leading to Satoshi's discovery, including emails, notes and other documents relating to the interview.
"If the interview really happened as the DHS Agent claimed, there should be documentation of the substance of that meeting," Murphy added.
Murphy is a Bitcoin investor and started mining BTC in 2017. He explained on X that he backs United States (US) President Donald Trump's mission to achieve government transparency. The crypto attorney hopes that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem "will embrace transparency in this instance and share this information voluntarily." However, if he encounters resistance, he is prepared to continue with the lawsuit against the DHS as far as necessary to solve the mystery.
The Bitcoin community is still divided over the unveiling of Satoshi Nakamoto's real identity. Some argue that his identity could jeopardize the vision of Bitcoin as a decentralized technology and a symbol of freedom from government control and influence.
Bitcoin is trading at $79,081 at the time of writing on Tuesday, gaining 2.3% in the last 24 hours after succumbing to macroeconomic pressure caused by President Trump's tariffs on 100 countries over the weekend and Monday. It is unclear if this recovery will continue above $80,000, especially with reciprocal tariffs kicking in on Wednesday.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers.