Peter Todd Denies Being Satoshi Nakamoto Following HBO Documentary Claims

Canadian Bitcoin core developer Peter Todd has refuted claims made in HBO’s documentary “Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery,” which suggests that he is Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin.

The documentary, produced by Cullen Hoback, aimed to uncover Nakamoto’s true identity. Based on a series of detailed pieces of evidence, it concluded that Todd was the mysterious inventor.

Todd Denies Being Nakamoto

Hoback’s claim that Todd is Nakamoto relied on a chat message in which Todd described himself as “the world’s leading expert on how to sacrifice your Bitcoins” and noted that he had executed one such act manually. Hoback interpreted the comment as evidence that Todd had permanently disabled access to the 1.1 million Bitcoin (currently worth approximately $69.4 billion) believed to be held by Nakamoto.

Following the documentary’s release, Todd reiterated his stance on social media. In response to a comment on X urging him to address HBO’s assertion, he stated that he is not Satoshi. Todd criticized Hoback’s approach, calling it ironic that a director known for a documentary on QAnon would use a similar coincidence-based, conspiracy-driven style in this case.

Todd’s Identity Claims

Hoback presented his theory in the documentary regarding Todd’s alleged involvement in Bitcoin’s creation. However, Todd dismissed these claims, calling them creative but absurd. He even sarcastically acknowledged the accusations by humorously claiming to be Satoshi Nakamoto and Craig Wright.

This is not the first time Todd has treated such claims lightheartedly. In a 2019 episode of the “What Bitcoin Did podcast,” he humorously told host Peter McCormack, “I am Satoshi, as is everyone else.”

During the podcast episode, Todd disclosed that he made his first BTC purchase when the asset was valued at $0.20, marking his entry into the market in October 2010—two years after the Bitcoin whitepaper was released on October 31, 2008. His early involvement in Bitcoin illuminates the intrigue surrounding his participation in the crypto asset’s origin and mysterious creator.

Since Nakamoto’s disappearance in 2011, their true identity has remained one of the most enduring mysteries in the cryptocurrency sector. Reports suggest that if Nakamoto is still alive, they could control up to 1.1 million BTC.