‘I’m behind Bitcoin’: Craig Wright

Australian entrepreneur Craig Wright has confirmed he created Bitcoin, ending years of speculation.

The Sydney businessman told the BBC he was behind the mysterious pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Picture: Bloomberg.

Australian entrepreneur Craig Wright has officially confirmed that he’s the man behind Bitcoin, ending years of speculation on the true identity of the man who created the digital currency.

The Sydney businessman told the BBC he was behind the mysterious pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, widely credited for creating the currency which is now worth over $US5 billion worldwide.

The BBC cited technical proof including bitcoins known to be owned by its creator, as well as corroboration from prominent members of the currency’s community.

The 46-year old businessman, who The Australian previously reported has been in and out of court due to controversial business dealings, digitally signed messages using cryptographic keys created during the early days of Bitcoin’s development.

Craig Steven Wright says he is the man behind Bitcoin.

Dr Wright said in a press release, “I firmly believe that Bitcoin and the blockchain can change the world for the better. I didn’t take the decision lightly to make my identity public and I want to be clear that I’m doing this because I care so passionately about my work and also to dispel any negative myths and fears about bitcoin and the Blockchain.”

In a blog post published on Monday, Bitcoin Foundation director Jon Matonis said “the proof is conclusive and I have no doubt that Craig Steven Wright is the person behind the Bitcoin technology, Nakamoto consensus, and the Satoshi Nakamoto name.”

“During the London proof sessions, I had the opportunity to review the relevant data along three distinct lines: cryptographic, social, and technical. Based on what I witnessed, it is my firm belief that Craig Steven Wright satisfies all three categories,” he said.

There has been a worldwide hunt for the elusive Nakamoto since the launch of Bitcoin in January 2009. He was outed as Bitcoin’s creator by Wired Magazine five months ago, but at the time stayed silent. He now says he “wants to set the record straight.”