Man claims to be Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto at London press conference

A man claims to be Bitcoin's elusive creator at a London press conference but skepticism grows over the lack of proof.

A man claims to be Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto, sparking skepticism at a press conference held in London on October 31. 

On the 16th anniversary of Satoshi Nakamoto's publication of the Bitcoin whitepaper, Stephen Mollah introduced himself as the elusive Bitcoin founder, but technical issues and unverified assertions cast doubt on his claim.

BBC News cyber correspondent Joe Tidy, who attended the event, reported that organizer Charles Anderson opened the conference, sharing he’d barely slept due to intense global interest.

A man called Stephen Mollah has taken to the stage. He claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto - the mystery inventor of Bitcoin. He’s claimed this before and is currently in legal dispute about it. He will now provide evidence, he says. pic.twitter.com/XkapPT7y3c

— Joe Tidy (@joetidy) October 31, 2024

However, a representative from the Frontline Club clarified that the event was neither endorsed nor affiliated with the venue, prompting at least one journalist to leave. Mollah’s credibility further waned as he made additional claims, stating he had invented energy recovery systems for cars and created the TV show ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’

Tried to film the demonstration but it doesn’t seem to be forthcoming. Here’s Mr Mollah: pic.twitter.com/5VEW5ji9Ne

— Joe Tidy (@joetidy) October 31, 2024

Attempting a live demonstration to support his identity as Nakamoto, Mollah faced technical difficulties with his laptop, forcing him to continue without it. Instead, he recounted past attempts to disclose his identity and referenced an unverified 2016 interview with the BBC’s Rory Cellan-Jones. Growing frustrated, journalists pressed Mollah for definitive evidence, to which he offered only “easy to fake screenshots.” 

Mr Mollah is showing a series of easy to fake screenshots. I asked if he will move some of the Genesis bitcoins to finally prove he is Satoshi. He said he will in the next few months. I have left the conference.

— Joe Tidy (@joetidy) October 31, 2024

When asked if Mollah would move bitcoins from the Genesis block or provide cryptographic proof, Mollah stated he would do so in the coming months, disappointing the audience further. The press conference, heavily promoted by PR London Live, ultimately failed to deliver the promised “verifiable proof,” leaving Bitcoin’s true creator an enduring mystery.