Origin of Bitcoin Revealed in FBI Documents, Hinting at Potential Creator

The pursuit of unveiling the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin, is ongoing, with fresh insights emerging from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Renowned investigative journalist Dave Troy recently disclosed findings from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request he initiated to obtain any FBI-held records related to Satoshi Nakamoto, spanning the bureau’s headquarters, field offices, legal attachés, and archival facilities.

Troy’s FOIA request, detailed on the X social network, specifically sought “any and all records pertaining to Satoshi Nakamoto” within the FBI’s purview. This encompassed materials that could categorize Nakamoto as an individual, group, collective, or governmental entity. The request underscored the necessity for clarity on whether the FBI possessed any information on Nakamoto, whether under the pseudonym or any potential linked real identity.

In his FOIA request, Troy clarified that his intent was not solely to ascertain the identity of ‘Satoshi Nakamoto’ but rather to procure any records the bureau might have on the subject. The response shared by Troy from the FBI characterized Nakamoto as a “third party individual,” a term commonly utilized by US intelligence agencies when referring to foreign nationals, suggesting a deliberate ambiguity regarding the bureau’s potential possession of pertinent information.

The FBI’s utilization of a “Glomar response,” neither confirming nor denying the existence of records, adds to the intrigue surrounding Nakamoto’s identity. This type of response, rooted in legal precedent set by the US Supreme Court, enables agencies to sidestep confirming the presence of records that could have significant implications for national security or privacy.

Troy expressed reservations on X regarding the FBI’s handling of his request, indicating potential scenarios where the bureau either holds Nakamoto’s identity but refrains from disclosure or faces confusion in interpreting the request accurately.

This development echoes past instances where individuals, like Daniel Oberhaus from Motherboard, encountered similar obstacles in their efforts to uncover Nakamoto’s identity through official channels. Notably, the CIA also employed a Glomar response when Oberhaus requested internal emails mentioning Nakamoto, underscoring the consistent secrecy surrounding this enigmatic figure.

Separately, Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted via X that US spot Bitcoin ETFs currently control a substantial amount of BTC, nearing the estimated holdings of Nakamoto himself. This accumulation underscores the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency ownership and its potential implications for the market.

As of the latest update, BTC is trading at $59,173, reflecting the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market. The quest to demystify Satoshi Nakamoto’s identity continues to captivate the crypto community, with each revelation adding layers to the enigma surrounding the elusive Bitcoin creator.