FBI’s Cryptic Response on Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto Fuels Speculation

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has sparked renewed intrigue surrounding the identity of Bitcoin's elusive creator


The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has sparked renewed intrigue surrounding the identity of Bitcoin’s elusive creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.

In response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, the FBI issued what is known as a “Glomar response,” neither confirming nor denying the existence of records related to Nakamoto. This ambiguous reply has only deepened the mystery surrounding the pseudonymous figure behind the world’s first cryptocurrency.

Key Points:

  • FBI’s Glomar Response: The FBI neither confirmed nor denied having records on Satoshi Nakamoto.
  • Speculation Deepens: Journalist Dave Troy’s FOIA request has fueled further speculation about Nakamoto’s identity.
  • Ongoing Mystery: Despite numerous theories, Satoshi Nakamoto’s identity remains unconfirmed.
  • Craig Wright Controversy: Wright, who once claimed to be Nakamoto, has retracted his statements.

FBI’s Mysterious Stance on Satoshi Nakamoto

On August 13, investigative journalist Dave Troy shared that the FBI’s response implied that Nakamoto could be considered a “third party individual.” Troy had submitted a broad FOIA request seeking information on Satoshi, but the FBI’s refusal to confirm or deny the existence of such records has led to further speculation about Nakamoto’s identity. Troy expressed his intention to appeal the FBI’s response, arguing that the bureau’s statement suggested Satoshi might be a single individual rather than a group.

“My request was broad and contextual, so the bureau’s implication that this is an individual is notable,” said Troy. “My primary objective isn’t to reveal Satoshi’s identity but to uncover what information the bureau may have. If that leads to uncovering the identity, so be it.”

Ongoing Speculation About Satoshi Nakamoto’s Identity

Since the release of the Bitcoin white paper in 2008, speculation has been rife regarding Satoshi Nakamoto’s true identity. Theories range from Nakamoto being a single person to a group of developers. One of the most discussed possibilities is that early Bitcoin contributor Hal Finney could have been Satoshi. Finney, who passed away in 2014, was a prominent figure in the early Bitcoin community, leading some to believe he may have been behind the pseudonym.

Dave Troy pointed out that if the FBI believed Finney was Nakamoto, there should be no issue in releasing his file. However, the agency’s reluctance to disclose any information only adds to the mystery.

Similar FOIA Requests Yield Same Results

This isn’t the first time that the FBI has issued a Glomar response to FOIA requests concerning Nakamoto. In 2018, both the FBI and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) issued similar responses, neither confirming nor denying the existence of records related to Bitcoin’s creator. These consistent refusals across different agencies have done little to quell the speculation surrounding Nakamoto’s identity.

The Craig Wright Controversy

Adding another layer of complexity to the mystery, Australian computer scientist Craig Wright has long claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto. However, his claims have faced widespread skepticism. Recently, Wright retracted these statements, issuing a legal disclaimer on his website stating that he is not Satoshi. Wright’s retraction comes as he faces potential perjury charges in a United Kingdom court for his previous assertions.

The Enigma Continues

To this day, no one has definitively proven the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto. The last known communication from Nakamoto was in 2011 when they stated they had “moved on to other things.” The continued ambiguity, coupled with the FBI’s cryptic responses, ensures that the mystery of Bitcoin’s creator remains one of the most captivating unsolved puzzles in the world of cryptocurrency.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Arslan Butt
Index & Commodity Analyst
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics.His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker.His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.

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