An Australian computer scientist named Craig Wright is claiming to be the creator of the global, decentralized anonymous currency known as Bitcoin.
In a blog posted last week, Wright claims to have developed the original Bitcoin software under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Although the claim has been disputed by the cryptocurrency community, BBC News reported Wright provided “technical evidence,” including original encryption keys, which have since been confirmed by the Bitcoin community’s so-called prominent members.
“I will present what I believe to be extraordinary proof and ask only that it be independently validated,” wrote Wright. “Ultimately, I can do no more than that.”
It’s estimated Nakamoto – or Wright – holds more than 1 million Bitcoin (or nearly $580 million Cdn. at the current exchange rate of one Bitcoin to $578 Cdn.).