Who Is Dorian Nakamoto?
Dorian Nakamoto is a Japanese-American physicist who gained media attention in 2014 after being named by Newsweek as a potential candidate for the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto. The claim was based primarily on circumstantial evidence, including his birth name, Satoshi Nakamoto, and his background in engineering and computer science.
The Newsweek Article and Allegations
The Newsweek article, written by Leah McGrath Goodman, argued that Dorian Nakamoto was Bitcoin’s mysterious creator due to several factors:
- His Name: Dorian’s given name at birth is Satoshi Nakamoto.
- Background: Dorian worked as a systems engineer and had experience in classified projects for both government and private sectors.
- Libertarian Views: According to his daughter, Dorian became a libertarian after being fired from jobs twice in the 1990s. He often encouraged entrepreneurial independence to avoid government interference, aligning with Bitcoin’s philosophy.
When confronted by Goodman about Bitcoin, Dorian reportedly responded:
“I am no longer involved in that and I cannot discuss it. It’s been turned over to other people. They are in charge of it now. I no longer have any connection.”
Dorian’s Denial and Misinterpretation
After the article was published, Dorian Nakamoto denied any involvement with Bitcoin. He claimed that his response to Goodman’s question was a misunderstanding.
- Misinterpretation: Dorian later clarified that he believed Goodman was referring to his work with classified projects for the military or Citibank, not Bitcoin.
- Public Statement: He asserted that he had never heard of Bitcoin until the Newsweek article brought it to his attention.
Satoshi Nakamoto’s Response
On the same day the Newsweek article was published, the real Satoshi Nakamoto’s P2P Foundation account made its first public comment in five years, stating:
“I am not Dorian Nakamoto.”
This message further cast doubt on the claim that Dorian was Bitcoin’s creator.
Connections to Hal Finney
Adding intrigue to the story, Dorian Nakamoto lived just a few blocks away from Hal Finney, another prominent candidate for being Satoshi Nakamoto. Hal Finney was an early Bitcoin developer and recipient of the first Bitcoin transaction. Some speculate that their geographical proximity might have contributed to the theory that Dorian was involved with Bitcoin’s creation, though no evidence supports this claim.
Legacy of the Allegations
Dorian Nakamoto’s life was significantly affected by the media coverage:
- He faced unwanted attention and harassment after the article’s publication.
- Supporters in the cryptocurrency community raised funds to help him deal with the fallout.
Despite the controversy, there is no definitive evidence linking Dorian Nakamoto to Bitcoin’s creation. The real identity of Satoshi Nakamoto remains one of the greatest mysteries in the world of cryptocurrency.