Gavin Andresen Now Regrets Role in Satoshi Nakamoto Saga

Gavin Andreseen says he now regrets getting involved in trying to verify Crag Wright's claim he is Satoshi Nakamoto.

AccessTimeIconNov 16, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 11, 2021 at 12:37 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

The last person known to communicate directly with bitcoin's pseudonymous creator says he now regrets getting involved in an effort early this year to reveal that person's identity.

In a blog post published today, the former lead maintainer of Bitcoin Core, bitcoin's dominant software project, Gavin Andresen wrote that regardless of the veracity of this person's claims he believes the public should "ignore him."

Andresen wrote:

"I regret ever getting involved in the 'Who was Satoshi?' game, and am going to spend my time on more fun and productive pursuits."

The statements come months after Gizmodo and Wired published articles that identified Australian academic Craig Wright as Nakamoto in May, and statements made by Andresen supporting the finding (though soon after, the reveal was disputed).

The following month, it was revealed that Wright was pursing a series of blockchain patents, giving him a potential financial motive for the claim.

Andresen elaborated on the fall-out after those events in today's post:

"Either he was Satoshi, but really wants the world to think he isn't, so he created an impossible-to-untangle web of truths, half-truths and lies. And ruined his reputation in the process."

Andresen directly addresses his audience imploring them to ignore Wright, regardless of the veracity of his claims. Instead, he says to leave the potential fraudulent claim to the alleged victims and law enforcement.

As for those "more fun pursuits," we've reached out to Andresen for further comment, but at press time, have received no response.

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.