Craig Wright 'Will Move Bitcoin' to Prove He's Satoshi Nakamoto

A representative for self-proclaimed bitcoin inventor Craig Wright says further evidence will be soon be provided via the movement of bitcoin.

AccessTimeIconMay 3, 2016 at 3:43 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 11, 2021 at 12:15 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

A representative for Craig Wright – the Australian academic and businessman who in recent days has sought to prove that he is bitcoin's pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto – says that he will provide further evidence through the movements of bitcoins.

As first reported by the BBC, Wright will seek to prove himself “by moving a coin from an early block”.

Nick Caley, head of corporate communications for London-based PR firm The Outside Organization, confirmed the plan when contacted by CoinDesk. Wright is being further represented by Milk Publicity, also based in London, which circulated press materials on Monday.

However, the plan seems to contradict statements given by Wright to The Economist, which reported that the Australian said he “can’t send any bitcoin because they are now owned by a trust”.

When asked about the discrepancy, Caley told CoinDesk that Wright will seek permission from the trustees to use one of those early bitcoin addresses, explaining:

“The trustees will not consent to move trust assets. However, Dr Wright is securing consents to move BTC into and then out of the early addresses, provided that the trust assets are not diminished.”

He added that the planned coin movement would take place “in the coming days”, but declined to comment when asked what steps would be taken if the trustees disapproved of the plan.

In a new blog article posted earlier today, Wright wrote that he will be releasing evidence beyond moving bitcoins.

"So, over the coming days, I will be posting a series of pieces that will lay the foundations for this extraordinary claim, which will include posting independently-verifiable documents and evidence addressing some of the false allegations that have been levelled, and transferring bitcoin from an early block," he stated.

Wright’s efforts to prove that he is Satoshi – bolstered by supportive testimony from former Bitcoin Core maintainer Gavin Andresen and Bitcoin Foundation founding director Jon Matonis – have faced much scrutiny from critics, who argue that the proof offered by the Australian academic on his own blog is either false or fraudulent.

Image via BBC News

This article has been updated

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.


Read more about