The cryptic creator of the highly volatile crypto-currency, Bitcoin, who went by the moniker Satoshi Nakamoto, has been discovered in an investigative report by Newsweek. The Japanese-American former engineer and model train enthusiast’s real name? Satoshi Nakamoto.
The reclusive nature of Bitcoin’s creator was so intense according to author Leah Goodman, his family didn’t even know he was responsible for the virtual crypto-currency that’s the subject of federal investigations, worldwide theft by hackers and deceitful companies, and the future of currency as we know it.
Nakamoto has an estimated $400 million in Bitcoin that is “untouched,” according to Goodman. Throughout the article, Satoshi’s real world lifestyle is revealed to be just as mysterious as his online personality.
RELATED: Bitcoin Exchange Shuts Down Mt Gox
“My brother is an asshole,” said Arthur Nakamoto, Satoshi’s youngest sibling. “What you don’t know about him is that he’s worked on classified stuff. His life was a complete blank for a while. You’re not going to be able to get to him. He’ll deny everything. He’ll never admit to starting Bitcoin.”
Bitcoin’s chief scientist, Gavin Andresen, spoke to Goodman about the Bitcoin creator, but in a tweet today, said he regretted helping her in uncovering the 64-year old creator.
I’m disappointed Newsweek decided to dox the Nakamoto family, and regret talking to Leah.
– Gavin Andresen (@gavinandresen) March 6, 2014
His main impetus for creating the anonymous, bank-free currency was his string of layoffs in the 1990s that preceded the loss of his home.
Also, Goodman noted, the train enthusiast may have been fed up with dealing with high exchange rates when purchasing model trains from England, although both are speculative.