Who Really Created Bitcoin? Lawyer Launches Legal Battle to Find Out
A legal battle is brewing over the origins of Bitcoin, as crypto lawyer James Murphy has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The case centers around a claim that the DHS may possess crucial information about the people behind Bitcoin’s creation. Murphy, widely known online as MetaLawMan, is leveraging the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to compel the agency to release any relevant documents.
The controversy dates back to April 2019, when DHS Special Agent Rana Saoud made a surprising statement during a Miami conference. She mentioned that DHS agents had allegedly spoken with four individuals who were involved in creating Bitcoin. According to Saoud, the agents traveled to California expecting to meet a single person but discovered that the development of Bitcoin involved a group of four. This interaction, as described by Saoud, included discussions about Bitcoin’s purpose and its future trajectory.
Motivated by these statements, Murphy filed the FOIA lawsuit on April 7, insisting that if the meeting truly occurred, there must be records such as notes or emails. On social media platform X, he clarified that his request is straightforward: to obtain any documents reflecting the substance of that encounter. Should the DHS withhold information, Murphy is prepared to continue his legal pursuit to uncover the truth. He also admits that there’s a chance the agents may have been mistaken about meeting the real creators of Bitcoin.
Murphy’s case is being strengthened by Brian Field, an expert in FOIA litigation and former Assistant US Attorney. Murphy believes that the core principle of the FOIA is to ensure transparency, allowing the public to access government-held data.
For years, the question of who invented Bitcoin has remained unresolved, despite various speculative claims. In a recent instance, an HBO documentary controversially linked the cryptocurrency’s creation to Peter Todd, a well-known figure in the Bitcoin community. The claim was quickly dismissed by Todd and other experts. Similar theories have pointed to Nick Szabo, Adam Back, and the late Hal Finney, but none have been verified.
The broader crypto community remains divided on the issue. While some argue that revealing Satoshi Nakamoto’s identity could harm Bitcoin’s decentralized ethos, others believe it would clear up lingering doubts, particularly concerning potential government involvement. As the legal proceedings unfold, the mystery of Bitcoin’s origins continues to capture attention.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain and fintech industries, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics.
