Bitcoin creator unmasked: Craig Wright provides ‘proof’ he invented crypto-currency

Australian tech entrepreneur Craig Wright has confirmed his identity as the creator of the Bitcoin crypto-currency Bitcoin. In an interview with the BBC released on Monday, Mr Wright has provided technical proof to back up his claim using coins known to be owned by Bitcoin’s creator, ending years of speculation. Mr Wright has revealed his identity to three media organisations - the BBC, the Economist and GQ. For years, the Bitcoin creator was known as  Satoshi Nakamoto – though most suspected this to be an alias.

I was the main part of it, but other people helped me.

Craig Wright

Jon Matonis, an economist and one of the founding directors of the Bitcoin Foundation, said he was convinced that Mr Wright was who he claimed to be. "During the London proof sessions, I had the opportunity to review the relevant data along three distinct lines: cryptographic, social, and technical,“ he told the BBC. "It is my firm belief that Craig Wright satisfies all three categories." Bitcoin has its own value and is not tied to any physical currency. Opponents have raised fears that a digital currency without a regulator or central bank is ripe for abuse by hackers and money launderers.

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.

Craig Wright

Bitcoin creator