Weeks after the HBO documentary “Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery” controversially pointed the finger at developer Peter Todd, filmmaker Cullen Hoback stands firm in his assertion, despite widespread backlash from the Bitcoin community.
The documentary’s climactic “reveal” ignited immediate criticism. Crypto experts labeled the claim “foolishness” and “dangerous,” while Todd himself dismissed it, stating, “For the record, I am as Satoshi as you are.”
However, Hoback remains unconvinced by Todd’s denials. “The evidence simply led me to Todd,” he insists, suggesting that Todd’s rebuttals are a deliberate attempt to maintain Satoshi’s anonymity. Hoback further claims that Todd “has done an excellent job at muddying the waters in preparation for this moment.”
Todd vehemently denies these accusations, calling Hoback’s evidence “incredibly flimsy – conspiracy-thinking-level flimsy.” He finds the situation ironic, given Hoback’s previous work on a QAnon documentary, drawing parallels between the filmmaker’s approach and conspiracy theories.
The clash continues even as the crypto market has moved on to other significant events, including Bitcoin’s recent all-time high. The search for Satoshi has been a long-standing quest within the crypto community, and Hoback believes uncovering the creator’s identity is crucial. “It’s important to know who that person is, what their intentions are,” he states. He speculates that Satoshi may be waiting for Bitcoin to become the world reserve currency.
Todd, however, argues that Hoback’s actions have compromised his safety. He points to the prevalence of kidnappings and robberies within the crypto world, highlighting the immense risk associated with being identified as Satoshi, the presumed holder of a vast Bitcoin fortune. “I’m not a rich man, I can’t afford to hire real security,” Todd explains, adding that he has been forced to increase his security measures.
He also criticizes Hoback for potentially jeopardizing Satoshi’s desired anonymity, calling the attempt to unmask the creator “unethical.” Todd suggests that Hoback’s motivation stems from a desire to sensationalize his film, claiming the director was “very frustrated” by the lack of mainstream appeal in the Bitcoin narrative.
Hoback refutes this, stating that Todd was aware of the film’s focus on Satoshi’s identity from the outset. He cites a message from Todd asking him to “leave Satoshi alone” after their first interview.
The debate extends to other figures involved in the documentary. Pete Rizzo alleges that Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3 and a key figure in the film, knew of the filmmakers’ intent to identify Satoshi. Todd denies this.
The question of Satoshi’s anonymity continues to be a sensitive topic. Many believe that revealing Satoshi’s identity could destabilize the crypto market, given the potential impact of accessing the substantial Bitcoin holdings attributed to the creator. Others argue that preserving the mystique of Satoshi allows Bitcoin to stand on its own merits.
The documentary’s claims were met with widespread condemnation from prominent figures in the crypto community. Pete Rizzo called the film “an insult to Bitcoin – cynical, stupid, and dangerous,” while others echoed the sentiment that Todd is not Satoshi.
Despite the criticism, Hoback remains defiant. “I just don’t think Todd is who people want Satoshi to be,” he says, hinting at further undisclosed evidence. The mystery of Satoshi Nakamoto, it seems, is far from over.
