Lawyer Sues DHS for Bitcoin Creator's Identity, Sparks Debate and Bitcoin Price Surge
April 7, 2025
Lawyer James Murphy has initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to obtain information about the identity of Bitcoin's elusive creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.
Murphy's lawsuit follows a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for documentation related to a claimed interview with Nakamoto, specifically seeking transcripts, recordings, and notes.
The controversy was sparked by DHS Special Agent Rana Saoud's assertion at a 2019 conference that the agency had identified four individuals as Bitcoin's creators, who were interviewed in California.
This legal action has ignited a heated debate within the Bitcoin community, with some advocating for Nakamoto's unmasking while others express concerns that it could jeopardize Bitcoin's fundamental decentralized nature.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Nakamoto's identity was underscored by a previous court ruling in 2024, which determined that Craig Wright is not Nakamoto, despite his long-standing claims.
Since the release of the Bitcoin whitepaper in 2008, Nakamoto's identity has remained a mystery, leading to various theories and speculation about who they might be.
Murphy argues for transparency, stating that if U.S. intelligence agencies possess knowledge of Nakamoto's identity, it should be made public, aligning with the cryptocurrency's ethos.
The lawsuit arises amid increased scrutiny of the cryptocurrency sector by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and discussions about Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
Following the announcement of the lawsuit, Bitcoin's price surged from around $74,000 to $80,000, reflecting the community's heightened interest in Nakamoto's identity.
The implications of revealing Nakamoto's identity are significant, as it could affect trust and control within the crypto space, especially if linked to a national intelligence agency.
This lawsuit marks another chapter in the ongoing quest to identify Satoshi Nakamoto, a mystery that has generated extensive theories and debates over the past decade.
As of now, DHS has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, leaving many to speculate about the potential outcomes and the future of Bitcoin.
Summary based on 15 sources
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Sources

International Business Times • Apr 8, 2025
Bitcoin Price Climbs Amid Claims That DHS May Know Satoshi Nakamoto's True Identity
TheStreet Crypto: Bitcoin and cryptocurrency news, advice, analysis and more • Apr 7, 2025
Satoshi Nakamoto spotted in California? Gov’t allegedly interviewed Bitcoin’s creator
Cointelegraph • Apr 8, 2025
Lawyer sues US homeland dept to probe supposed Satoshi Nakamoto meeting
Decrypt • Apr 7, 2025
Crypto Attorney Alleges US Government Knows Bitcoin Creator's Identity