Peter Todd is Probably Satoshi Nakamoto

“Who is Peter Todd?” — it’s a question that comes up often. Not much is publicly known about him, except that he’s clearly respected by some of the most influential figures in the Bitcoin space, including VCs.

The evidence suggesting that Todd might be Satoshi is circumstantial and yes, it’s thin, but it does exist. I’m not posting direct links to some of the source material here; if you’re interested, you’ll have to dig it up yourself.

Peter Todd’s first post on Bitcointalk was on December 10, 2010, in a thread where Satoshi was actively posting. In that same thread, Todd responds directly after Satoshi. His reply almost reads like he’s speaking on Satoshi’s behalf like he may have accidentally used the wrong account. Oddly enough, Satoshi disappeared shortly after (his final post was just three days later), and Todd himself didn’t appear again until April 26, 2012.

Here are a few interesting points:

  1. Nick Szabo has pointed people to Peter Todd when asked questions he didn’t feel he could answer.
  2. Todd is mentioned as early as February 28, before Bitcoin, by Satoshi’s earliest contacts on the P2P Foundation forum.
  3. He was one of the first to alert the community in 2014 that Satoshi’s P2P Foundation account had been hacked. He also received emails forwarded from Satoshi in 2011.
  4. Before Bitcoin, Todd had built a working ledger/database with a timestamp server. He called it a UUID, it was used to uniquely identify his digital artwork.
  5. His GitHub repos from before Bitcoin include a lot of code that’s very relevant to someone who could have created Bitcoin, especially around clocks and timestamping.
  6. Todd’s resume is publicly available on the Internet Archive.
  7. Don’t bet the farm on this theory — but if you’re curious, go verify it for yourself.
  8. And if this all turns out to be true, then his trolling of Mike Hearn is absolutely legendary.

In 2001, Peter Todd and Hal Finney were involved in discussions on a cryptography-focused mailing list, where they exchanged thoughts on a paper written by Wei Dai. This paper, which introduced the concept of b-money, was one of the earliest proposals for a decentralized digital currency system, and is often cited as one of the inspirations for Bitcoin. These kinds of early conversations are important because they show that both Todd and Finney were thinking about similar problems how to create secure, decentralized systems, well before Bitcoin was released in 2009. The fact that Todd was already engaging with people like Finney and discussing concepts closely related to Bitcoin adds weight to the theory that he may have been more involved in its origins than is publicly acknowledged.

More on Why Peter Todd Might Be Satoshi

TLDR: The evidence laid out in this series is strong enough to seriously consider that Peter Todd could be Satoshi Nakamoto. That said, it’s hard to say just how strong the support really is. A few strange and interesting clues—some covered before and others newly added—seem to point in this direction. There are details here that may only make sense if you assume Peter Todd had a direct role in Bitcoin’s creation.

The last few images shared in this series could even be read as a kind of “micro-story”—a visual way of telling a tale that Peter Todd might not be able to say out loud. This post also touches on something unexpected: it might lead to the person who hacked Satoshi’s account on the P2P Foundation website.

What follows is a selection of open-source material—publicly available information—that points to Peter Todd possibly being Satoshi. Or, at the very least, one of a few people (maybe including some family members) who created Bitcoin under a shared pseudonym.

To catch up or explore further, check out these links (some new, some previously shared):

  • Projects from Peter Todd’s time working on mobile/interactive media:
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    Link

So far, I’ve shared only publicly available information as evidence to support the idea that Peter Todd might be Satoshi Nakamoto — or at least part of a group using that name. I’ve been clear from the beginning: this evidence is circumstantial. I’ve even said, “Don’t bet the farm on this theory.” I’ll say that again now — this isn’t proof, but the clues are interesting and suggestive.

Even though the evidence is indirect, it still leads to some simple, logical inferences. These bits and pieces help build the case that Peter Todd could very well be the person (or one of the people) behind Bitcoin.

In this post, I want to summarize everything I’ve covered so far and walk through how I arrived at the conclusion that Peter Todd might be Satoshi. But before that, I think it’s important to lay out where I’m coming from — my perspective, method, and the reason why I’ve put this together in the first place.

First Suspicions – When the Blocksize Debate Got Serious

I first started to suspect Peter Todd might be Satoshi sometime in late spring or early summer of 2015. I didn’t feel confident enough to say it out loud back then, and even now, I still have a few other possible candidates in mind, some well-known, others completely off the radar. But right now, Peter Todd seems like the strongest possibility.

In spring 2015, Gavin Andresen started posting more frequently about the blocksize limit and how it could impact Bitcoin’s ability to scale. Around that time — maybe even a little earlier — I noticed Peter Todd and Gavin butting heads publicly, both on forums and social media [see also: [1], [2], [3]].

One thing that really stood out to me: Peter openly questioned whether Gavin should keep his GitHub commit access and his position as Chief Scientist at the Bitcoin Foundation. At the time, I couldn’t understand where that tension was coming from — especially since Gavin was the person many believed Satoshi had handed the project over to before stepping away.

Up to that point, I didn’t know much about Peter Todd. I still don’t know a whole lot. But I did know he was a well-known figure in the community. His opinions were clearly respected — people listened when he spoke. He wrote code, gave talks at major conferences, got quoted in big-name industry media, met with regulators [see also here], and even traveled on private jets.

Looking Deeper – Patterns and Connections

Just being a skilled developer isn’t enough to explain why Peter Todd has such a strong presence in the Bitcoin community — or why people seem to care whether he sells his bitcoins. There are other expert developers out there, so what makes PT stand out? I’m not the only one asking that. It’s pretty common to see forum posts and Reddit threads where people are trying to figure out where Peter Todd came from or why he’s so relevant.

Once I started seeing this pattern, I began following his Twitter account and digging into his post history on Bitcointalk. Then in August 2015, I came across a post by Jackson Palmer that made me take another closer look.

As I kept digging, I noticed a lot of unique individuals with ties to both the PayPal Mafia and Canada. One name that came up repeatedly was Ryan Lackey — and interestingly, he seemed to pop up almost everywhere Peter Todd did. Their projects even share some similarities. Compare Sealand/HavenCo. (Lackey’s project) with Project Portage (linked to Todd).

Honestly, it’s possible that Ryan Lackey could be Satoshi — maybe even more likely than Peter Todd — or he could be part of a team using the Satoshi name. That team might include the usual suspects like Adam Back, Hal Finney, Nick Szabo, and Wei Dai. In fact, out of all of them, Dai’s writing style sounds most like Satoshi’s.

Methodology

I’ve been following Bitcoin closely since 2013. I keep up with all the major forums, mailing lists, IRC discussions, and news outlets — both crypto-specific and mainstream. I’ve stayed aware of the key debates and developments shaping the Bitcoin ecosystem over the years. My blog, Twitter, Bitcointalk posts, and other social media show how deeply interested I am in Bitcoin and crypto in general. I’m sharing this just to make clear that I’m part of the community — not a professional journalist.

That said, I think it’s important to explain the approach I’ve taken, so others can retrace the steps and maybe build on this research.

First, I come from a legal background, so I’m approaching this the way I would build a case for a jury in a civil trial. The goal is to present a theory, backed by evidence. Most of what I’ve collected is circumstantial, and it ranges from somewhat direct to very indirect. (Let’s be honest — if we had solid, direct evidence, like a confession or a document trail, this conversation would be over.)

Second, let’s talk about the standard of proof. I’m not trying to prove this beyond a shadow of a doubt. The real question I’m exploring is: Based on everything presented, is it more likely than not that Peter Todd is Satoshi (or part of a group using that name)? That’s the bar — the “preponderance of evidence” — and that’s what this is aiming to address.

Limitations & Weaknesses

To be clear, this article has its limitations. I’m not a professional journalist, and I don’t have the time or resources that investigative teams at places like Newsweek or The New Yorker (or even Wired and Gizmodo) would have. As a result, the claims here might not be as fully developed or backed up as they would be in a more thorough investigation.

This isn’t a scientific paper, either — don’t expect any kind of linguistic analysis or forensic-level scrutiny.

I haven’t conducted interviews, hacked any accounts, or teamed up with other Satoshi seekers. The evidence I’m presenting comes solely from publicly available sources. I’m not an agent, officer, or anything like that, though I suppose I’d be okay at it. (For context, here’s a link: pastebin — check out the “intelligence” search.)

In short, this article doesn’t prove who Satoshi is, but it does add to the ongoing conversation and research about him. It’s also important to remember that even the PGP keys others might want as proof of Satoshi’s identity aren’t foolproof. There’s always the possibility of hacking, deception, or social engineering. So, unless someone with direct knowledge of Satoshi’s identity comes forward, all we have are theories based on circumstantial evidence.

Building on Prior Work & Research Method

Despite the limitations mentioned earlier, this article does benefit from building on previous research and offering new perspectives by connecting various pieces of the puzzle. It’s also written by someone who actively engages with and follows the crypto community, which gives it an edge in staying current.

The process I used was straightforward: I connected dots by searching for as many unique variable combinations as possible and worked backward from the most recent information. Similar to my Moolah research (see Trail of Doges 1 & 2), I employed both genealogical and archaeological methods. To narrow the focus, I mainly limited searches to the period between January 2000 and December 2008.

I also applied several standards to assess whether Peter Todd is a more likely Satoshi than other candidates. These included broad parameters as well as what I like to call the “eye test,” a method borrowed from college sports. While it has its limitations and is definitely subject to personal bias, it’s a helpful gauge in this context.

Criteria for Being Considered Satoshi

To be considered a candidate for Satoshi Nakamoto, a person must meet certain criteria:

  1. Technical Knowledge: They should have the technical expertise needed to write the Bitcoin protocol.
  2. Experience: The candidate must have spent time solving the kind of problems Bitcoin addresses.
  3. Background Fit: Their background must explain unique characteristics of Satoshi, like how they use English (more on that later), their knowledge of economics, and programming skills.

Additional factors, though not strictly necessary, can be helpful:

  1. Use of Both British and American English: While not essential (since writing styles can be imitated or altered), the use of both British and American English could be a useful indicator.
  2. Expert-Level Cryptography Knowledge: Having a deep understanding of cryptography would be a key asset.
  3. Connection to the Usual Suspects: The candidate should be familiar with other known figures in the space like Szabo, Finney, Back, Dai, etc.
  4. Known Satoshi Candidates: If the person is already a recognized candidate, it adds to their credibility.
  5. Tone and Disposition: The way they write and interact in public spaces may also offer insight.
  6. PGP Keys: While these are usually considered conclusive proof, they would only be valid if witnessed in action, and it’s important to note that Satoshi rarely used them.

Theory of the Case: Peter Todd as Satoshi

Based on the evidence, the theory suggests that Peter Todd is either Satoshi Nakamoto or part of a group operating under that pseudonym. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors supporting this theory:

1. How Many Peters Am I Holding Up?

In response to earlier investigations, Peter Todd (PT) revealed that he was born on March 14, 1985. While the name “Peter Todd” might not be rare, the birthdate adds an interesting detail. However, this alone isn’t conclusive for pinpointing his identity as Satoshi. Additionally, PT’s Facebook account suggests that his middle name starts with a K, which, while not extremely uncommon, is another data point.

A deeper analysis of PT’s online presence, especially through his interactions with prominent figures in the Bitcoin community such as Hal Finney and Adam Back, reveals that PT has a strong foundation in the concepts surrounding electronic money. PT’s email exchanges with these figures demonstrate that he has been involved in this field for years, synthesizing insights from Finney and Back with economic principles, particularly those from his father, who is a professional economist.

This early introduction to electronic money and economics, combined with the timing and context of his involvement, makes PT a solid candidate for being Satoshi or at least one of the people behind the pseudonym.

Cross-Referencing Peter Todd’s Identity

Several public records provide further support for the theory that Peter Todd (PT) is indeed the individual associated with the Satoshi Nakamoto pseudonym or part of the group behind it.

1. Birthdate and Family Information

Peter Todd’s birthday of March 14, 1985 has been cross-checked with a birth announcement found in the University of British Columbia Alumni Magazine from 1985 (page 22). This confirms PT’s birthdate and provides further context to his background. In addition, PT’s parents are identified as Eve and Kevin, and a cross-check with an obituary for PT’s paternal grandmother aligns with these details.

This supports the idea that PT’s identity is consistent with the one he’s presented online, lending credibility to his statements about himself.

2. Family Business and Geographical Location

PT’s family ties are also relevant to the case. Peachland, British Columbia, is mentioned in PT’s resume, noting that he worked at Todd’s Tent Town, a family business, at least one summer. This business, now managed by PT’s uncle Graham, was previously known by the same name, Todd’s Tent Town.

Given that Peachland is a real and verifiable location linked to his family, this adds a personal layer to the theory, as such local details would be challenging to fabricate without intimate knowledge of PT’s life.

Model Trains as a Shared Interest

  • Peter Todd’s Interest in Model Trains: PT has mentioned his interest in model trains on his resume. He not only enjoys them but is also skilled in building them. In fact, he purchased a Sherline lathe and was once hired by The Aragon Group (a gambling-related company) to build a model train Christmas display.
  • Dorian Nakamoto’s Similar Interest: Interestingly, Dorian Nakamoto, the man once identified as the possible creator of Bitcoin, also liked model trains and reportedly had the ability to build them.

Geographical Connection: Sherline Lathe and Dorian Nakamoto

The Sherline lathe used by PT is an interesting detail, especially since Dorian Nakamoto lives near the Sherline factory. While this geographic coincidence doesn’t definitively prove anything, it does link both PT and Dorian to a specific tool commonly used in model train building. This raises the question: could their shared interest in model trains be another subtle clue in the larger investigation into who created Bitcoin?

Moreover, Dorian Nakamoto’s interest in steam engines, specifically the Leviathan #63, which is connected to the Jupiter locomotive, further links him to the model train world. Notably, this locomotive is a precursor to the one he reportedly built, the #68, located in New Freedom, PA.

The Dorian Tool Connection:

  • The word “Dorian” is also a brand name for tools used specifically in the model-train world. This adds an additional, albeit quirky, layer to the connection between Dorian Nakamoto and model trains. Could this linguistic and tool connection be another subtle link to Satoshi?

Peter Todd’s Father: Kevin Todd

  • Kevin Todd, PT’s father, appears to be a highly respected economist, likely specializing in natural resources. His role in the economic policy and analysis department of the Northwest Territories suggests a deep understanding of complex economic systems, potentially complementing Bitcoin’s underlying economic design.
  • Interestingly, Kevin also maintains connections with people looking to immigrate from China, which might hint at PT’s network and international scope. This international perspective could align with Bitcoin’s global vision and offer an additional argument for PT’s involvement in its creation.

Connecting the Dots:

  • Model Train Interests: The shared interest in model trains and their construction, especially the connection to the Sherline lathe, raises the possibility of a deeper connection between PT and Dorian Nakamoto, two seemingly unrelated figures in the Bitcoin story.
  • Family Ties and Economic Expertise: The expertise of Kevin Todd in economic policy related to natural resources complements Peter Todd’s deep understanding of the economic principles underlying Bitcoin, which could be seen as an important piece of the puzzle.

Besides his love for Japanese food, it seems he might also have an interest in railroads. His desire to visit Virginia City, NV—a nearly deserted gold mining town—suggests this. Virginia City was once connected to northern California, and the #63 steam engine would have passed through the area on the Central Pacific Railroad.

The Central Pacific Railroad (CPR) was the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S., linking northern California with British Columbia and, by extension, the Canadian Pacific Railroad (also CPR). The Canadian Pacific Railroad was Canada’s first transcontinental line, famously known for its “Silk Trains” that transported raw silk from China between the 1890s and 1933. This connection is important as it highlights the economic incentives tied to the transportation of valuable goods, such as silk, during that period.

As for the Atlas Shrugged discussion, I’ll leave that for another time.

For reference, here are some related links:

The plot thickens, doesn’t it? Now, we’re stepping into even more peculiar territory.

When I mentioned Peter Todd’s dad earlier, I did so based on a set of assumptions, but the more I dig, the more variables emerge. It’s a possibility that Kevin Todd could actually be Peter Kevin Todd Sr., or there might be more to the family connection than what we first assumed. In fact, I found another Canadian named Peter Kevin Todd (PKT) who goes by both Peter and Kevin. Interestingly, this individual is an expat living in Spain and used to reside in Alberta, Canada.

Here’s where things get even more curious. The PKT I’ve come across has an economics degree from Newcastle University in the U.K. and has been self-employed, working in e-commerce since January 2009. He’s nearly 70 years old and is currently involved in the electronic cigarette business. Now, I won’t pretend to have all the answers regarding PKT’s identity. The details surrounding him are sparse, and there’s very little public information about him beyond what’s available on social media.

One intriguing tidbit is that he’s attempting to freelance as a proofreader, claiming proficiency in both UK and North American English. It’s a peculiar little detail when you consider the potential connections between language skills and the Satoshi identity.

  • http://imgur.com/tjuIVIN
  • http://imgur.com/a/0fGka
  • http://imgur.com/maXso8B

I came across something interesting while researching: there’s evidence of a recent adverse tax action in the UK involving a person named Nicholas Peter Todd, who happens to be from the same area in Spain as PKT. This individual was involved in smuggling tobacco into Canada and the UK. While it’s not exactly related to e-cigarettes, there is a curious overlap in the nature of the business (electronic products and international trade).

The age differences between this Nicholas Peter Todd and PKT are a bit off, but that’s not the most significant issue here. What stands out is the discrepancy in the photos. Most of the images of PKT don’t seem to match either PT (Peter Todd) or KT (Kevin Todd). However, these photos could very well be altered, possibly part of a disinformation campaign to confuse or mislead. And, hey, maybe Satoshi has an interest in speedos (and John Galt)—it would certainly add a quirky twist to this mystery.

The relevance of the PKT material remains uncertain, especially given the discrepancies in the pictures. The differences in appearance could stem from a number of reasons—such as aging, changes in lifestyle, or even deliberate alterations for privacy or security purposes. This issue isn’t just limited to PKT; the same goes for PT himself. While we have an idea of what PT looks like today, it’s tough to say whether his appearance back in the early 2000s matches what we would expect. People change over time, and it’s also possible that photos from different periods have been altered or obscured intentionally.

In short, while the visual discrepancies do raise questions, they don’t necessarily invalidate the theory; they simply add layers of complexity to the search for Satoshi’s identity. The shifting nature of appearances, especially over decades, complicates things further.

You’re drawing attention to some interesting connections here. If PT looks more like a strategy guy from Blockstream, it hints that his role may align with someone involved in the technical or strategic direction of Bitcoin projects. Blockstream, as a key player in Bitcoin development, would certainly attract individuals with a background in strategy and technical leadership, which could describe PT’s profile well.

Now, the name similarity between “John Dillion” and “Jackson Palmer” adds another layer of intrigue. Jackson Palmer, known for his involvement in the creation of Dogecoin, could have ties or indirect connections to various crypto figures, including those who might be linked to Satoshi or the early days of Bitcoin. Drawing attention to names and how they are used or altered can sometimes reveal hidden connections, intentional or not.

The mention of the plane picture is another subtle clue that should not be overlooked. The person sitting behind PT in the picture could be a significant lead. Small details like this might point to other individuals, past associations, or perhaps even something more cryptic. It’s the kind of lead that could open up a whole new avenue of research. Could the person behind PT in the plane be a key figure or someone with direct involvement in Bitcoin’s development or early days?

2. Abilities; Buddies

In Part 2, we established that Peter Todd (PT) has both the ability and experience to have created Bitcoin. His background shows that he had a strong technical foundation and an active presence in the early cryptocurrency and cryptography communities.

PT’s involvement in mailing lists such as freenet-dev, cryptography, and piclist with key figures like Hal Finney, Adam Back, and Wei Dai dates back to at least 2000. This indicates that he was not only involved in discussions but was likely at the forefront of the emerging field of digital currencies and cryptographic projects. His invitation to join the Blue Sky mailing list by Hal Finney further reinforces this connection.

PT’s early work involved software development focused on time-stamping and ledger systems, areas which align closely with Bitcoin’s foundational technologies. The Project Portage initiative, for example, offers a unique perspective when compared to the concept of Sealand. Both projects share the concept of establishing decentralized, secure systems, a theme that resonates with the core principles of Bitcoin.

Additionally, PT’s passion for model trains, which he shares with Dorian Nakamoto, adds a personal layer of similarity. This seemingly obscure detail about PT’s hobbies may reflect the kind of subtle connections that reveal shared interests or background experiences, which could be another layer of evidence pointing to his involvement in the Bitcoin creation story.

In summary, PT’s history with early digital money projects, his technical expertise, and his connections with pivotal figures in the cryptocurrency space all contribute to a compelling case for his role in Bitcoin’s development.

3. PT has acted like an expert in charge since his very first post on Bitcointalk.

Peter Todd (PT) quickly established himself as an expert in the Bitcoin community, particularly with his very first post on Bitcointalk. On December 10, 2010, PT responded to a thread titled “Fees in BitDNS confusion,” which discussed the ability for users to control transaction fees—a hot topic in the Bitcoin world at that time. Bitcoin 0.3.18 had just been released a few days before, and Bitcoin 0.3.19 was on the horizon with new DoS protections, making this a critical period for the Bitcoin network.

PT’s involvement in these discussions demonstrated that he was not just a passive observer but an authoritative figure engaging directly with the most senior developers in the community. His expertise and familiarity with Bitcoin’s technical intricacies were evident, and he quickly became one of the go-to voices for resolving issues and suggesting improvements to the protocol.

One interesting point to note is PT’s awareness of transaction reversibility. While some have suggested that Satoshi was unaware of this possibility, PT’s actions imply otherwise. It’s possible that Satoshi, or someone in his position, was aware of certain limitations but held off on discussing them publicly until a solution was in place. Now, it seems PT is actively working to address certain gaps in the system, even if that means pushing boundaries and, at times, testing the limits of the system’s current capabilities—such as publicly executing double-spends against Coinbase.

This proactive approach shows PT’s deep understanding of Bitcoin’s underlying technology and his commitment to improving it. His ability to engage with complex issues at such an early stage of Bitcoin’s development solidifies his role as one of the key figures in its evolution.

4. Unique Interests

Peter Todd (PT) stands out for his unique interests and approach to Bitcoin development, which sets him apart from many other figures in the cryptocurrency space.

One of PT’s early projects, dating back to 2000, was writing game software designed to model trading and resource extraction scenarios from a corporate raider’s perspective. This aligns with Hal Finney’s background, given Finney’s early work with digital currencies and his expertise in programming. PT’s game development experience provided him with a deep understanding of economic systems and how different variables interact, a skill that would later prove invaluable when designing the Bitcoin protocol.

PT also has knowledge of nuclear power, which indicates a broad technical expertise that spans multiple industries. This diverse range of interests allows him to approach problems from different angles, making him a more innovative thinker in the Bitcoin space.

What’s particularly notable about PT is his ability to set his own agenda. He doesn’t align himself strictly with any one group or ideology within the Bitcoin community. For instance, in the block size debate, PT has never taken an absolute stance against hard forking or insisted that the block size limit should remain fixed. In fact, he has been open to the idea that the block size limit could either be increased or decreased depending on what is needed for the network’s growth and scalability. This flexibility in his thinking shows that PT is focused on the long-term health and efficiency of the Bitcoin network, rather than adhering to a rigid set of beliefs or positions.

Overall, PT’s unique interests and open-minded approach to development and scalability make him a highly influential figure in the cryptocurrency world. His ability to think beyond the conventional boundaries of the community has allowed him to contribute to Bitcoin’s evolution in ways that few others have.

5. Strange Micros – “Satoshi Nakamoto Brought Me Here”

The connection between Peter Todd (PT) and Satoshi Nakamoto is further complicated by a series of strange interactions that continue to blur the lines between known facts and cryptic occurrences in the cryptocurrency world.

One particularly intriguing incident involves the hack of Satoshi Nakamoto’s P2P Foundation account. This hack was not revealed until September 2014, but it’s worth noting that, just before this, in March 2014, Newsweek published their infamous article identifying Dorian Nakamoto as Satoshi. This caused a lot of confusion, particularly for those who had followed the development of Bitcoin and its creator for years.

Among the details on Satoshi’s P2P Foundation page, one thing is clear: Satoshi had an impressive grasp of economics, including resource extraction—a key concept in understanding Bitcoin’s design and its incentive structure. If you look closely at the Bitcoin whitepaper and Satoshi’s early communications, his economic reasoning is evident, indicating that whoever he (or they) were, they had a solid understanding of financial systems.

Shortly after the Newsweek article, a figure named MicroGuy emerged and started interacting with Satoshi’s online presence. This was odd, as MicroGuy often claimed to be closely related to Satoshi (sometimes claiming familial connections such as “SDR”). These interactions, although seemingly insignificant, raised questions, particularly because they occurred just before Bitcoin’s replacement, GoldCoin, was introduced by figures who seemed to align with the same economic principles.

Interestingly, on September 6, 2014, shortly before the Moolah and Mintpal controversies erupted, these posts appeared on Satoshi’s P2P Foundation wall. They were oddly timed and preceded by cryptic messages and communications that hinted at a much deeper connection between Satoshi Nakamoto’s online activities and some of the key figures emerging in the cryptocurrency space. The involvement of GoldCoin and figures like @Railboss further compounds the mystery, suggesting that these events were not just coincidental.

The strange interactions and coincidences point to a complex web of connections that might suggest Peter Todd’s possible involvement with Bitcoin’s creation, or at least a deep familiarity with its origins and development. Whether or not PT is truly Satoshi remains unclear, but these strange micros and connections add layers of intrigue to the ongoing speculation.

Concluding Thoughts

In this analysis, I’ve presented a substantial amount of circumstantial evidence, which, when pieced together, forms a coherent narrative that isn’t as random or far-fetched as it might initially appear. By connecting these elements, the picture of Peter Todd (PT) as a possible figure behind Bitcoin, or at least heavily involved in its creation, becomes more plausible. Here are the key takeaways from this theory:

  1. Connecting the Dots of the Train Story: The unique interest in trains and the involvement of PT with primary candidates for Satoshi’s identity, even before PT himself was ever considered a potential Satoshi, is not a trivial coincidence. It suggests a deeper connection to the original creators of Bitcoin and perhaps even a purposeful attempt to hide in plain sight through seemingly inconspicuous hobbies.
  2. Bitcoin’s Founders and the Blocksize Debate: The connection between PT, the blocksize debate, Blockstream, and the ongoing Bitcoin development has been well-documented. PT’s significant role in Bitcoin’s evolution, particularly during key discussions about its future scalability, points to a much larger involvement with Bitcoin’s creation than simply being a developer in the community. He appears to have a deep understanding of the broader implications of Bitcoin’s protocol changes.
  3. A Recognized Authority in the Bitcoin Community: PT’s technical expertise and contributions within the Bitcoin ecosystem have made him an authority figure since early on, as evidenced by his posts and direct involvement in critical discussions. This places him in close proximity to Bitcoin’s origin and development, further solidifying the theory that he may be linked to Satoshi.
  4. Eliminating the Legendary Backstory: Unlike many speculative theories, which rely on a mythic backstory for Satoshi, PT’s known technical expertise and early involvement in relevant cryptography and blockchain discussions provide a grounded explanation for his possible role in Bitcoin’s creation. This eliminates the need for the extravagant legends that often surround Satoshi’s identity.
  5. The Motive Behind His Actions: PT’s behavior in the Bitcoin community, often perceived as difficult or arrogant, can be explained by a deeper motivation to ensure Bitcoin’s longevity and protection. His push for key features like Replace-by-Fee (RBF) and his resistance to certain changes within the Bitcoin ecosystem suggest a deeper understanding of Bitcoin’s foundational goals and an investment in its success.

If PT Is Indeed Connected to Satoshi, There Are Unique Implications

If my hypothesis is correct, and Peter Todd was, is, or was part of the Satoshi group, there are several interesting conclusions and questions that arise:

  1. Connections to Governments and the Silk Road Case: PT’s potential connections to governmental bodies, especially regarding cases like Silk Road, could open up avenues for further investigation. It’s plausible that PT might have inside knowledge of these events, either from a governmental or adversarial perspective. This could explain some of his seemingly cryptic behavior or unwillingness to discuss certain aspects of his involvement with Bitcoin.
  2. Potential Involvement of KT: If another key figure, such as KT (possibly someone like Gavin Andresen), is involved in the larger story, it could imply a government connection. This could lend further credibility to the theory that Bitcoin’s origins might be more complex than simply a group of independent cypherpunks.
  3. Blockstream and Government Ties: Given PT’s role in Blockstream and his potential government ties, it’s not out of the question that Blockstream could also have connections to state actors. Whether these connections are adversarial or collaborative, they could play a role in Bitcoin’s long-term development and its role in the global economy.
  4. Chinese Connections: PT’s understanding of the Chinese market and potential relationships with Chinese contacts may hint at a broader geopolitical strategy for Bitcoin. As China has been both a leader and a regulator of cryptocurrency, PT’s deep knowledge of Chinese interests could signal a long-term vision for Bitcoin’s role in global finance.
  5. Bitcoin’s End Goal: PT’s involvement in projects like Sealand or HavenCo provides a glimpse into a potential end goal for Bitcoin: creating a decentralized alternative to traditional government-controlled systems. This vision aligns with Bitcoin’s foundational goals of decentralization, privacy, and independence.
  6. GoldCoin and P2P Foundation: The strange timing of Satoshi’s interactions on the P2P Foundation, particularly in March 2014, raises questions. Why would Satoshi, or someone close to him, be forging relationships on P2P at this time? Could this be another piece of the puzzle linking PT to Bitcoin’s origins?
  7. The Strangeness of Truth: The reality behind Bitcoin’s creation and the identities of its founders may be even stranger than fiction. The more you delve into the details, the more you realize that there may be an intentional obscurity surrounding these events, designed to keep the true identities of the creators hidden while still guiding Bitcoin toward its revolutionary goals.

Final Thoughts

The potential connection between PT and Satoshi Nakamoto is fascinating and certainly warrants further investigation. The circumstantial evidence, while not definitive, is compelling enough to suggest that PT played a far more significant role in Bitcoin’s creation than many people realize. Whether he is Satoshi or a key figure in the broader narrative of Bitcoin’s development, one thing is clear: the story of Bitcoin’s creation is far more complex and intertwined with global forces than most people might think.

As I’ve outlined, the journey to uncover the true origins of Bitcoin is ongoing, and perhaps the strangest truths are still waiting to be uncovered. The connections to governments, Chinese interests, and hidden motivations could provide a clearer understanding of Bitcoin’s purpose and its role in the world economy. Ultimately, the final decision about PT’s involvement rests with those who continue to dig deeper into the story of Bitcoin’s mysterious creation.

Drop your thoughts and theories in the comments.

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