Popular cryptographer and Bitcoin developer Peter Todd has reportedly been forced into hiding following claims made in an HBO documentary aired on October 9th.
The documentary Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery identified Todd as Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin.
Since the documentary aired, Todd says he has received numerous threats and has taken steps to protect his safety.
Peter Todd Forced into Hiding
In an October 22nd interview with Wired, Todd explained that he has faced numerous threats and dangerous requests that have forced him into hiding.
These include demands for money from people who now believe he holds substantial Bitcoin wealth.
“Obviously, falsely claiming that ordinary people of ordinary wealth are extraordinarily rich exposes them to threats like robbery and kidnapping,” Todd said.
He explained that his inbox had been flooded with emails since the film aired. He mentioned an instance where one individual spammed his mailbox, asking Todd to help repay a loan.
Despite the documentary’s bold claims, Todd has firmly denied being Satoshi Nakamoto, dismissing the evidence presented by director Cullen Hoback as misleading.
I'm not Satoshi.
— Peter Todd (@peterktodd) October 8, 2024
The Bitcoin developer revealed that he had agreed to participate in the documentary because he believed it would focus on the history of Bitcoin rather than an exposé about its creator.
Todd states the director, Cullen Hoback, misinterpreted his playful “I am Satoshi” remarks—a reference to the movie Spartacus—as a serious confession.
The documentary portrays this as an admission rather than the lighthearted remark Todd intended.
Hoback’s Response to Allegedly Deceptive Evidence in the Film
Hoback defends his conclusion by citing a 2010 forum thread where Todd seemingly completes Satoshi’s technical explanations about Bitcoin. The director suggests Todd’s young age when Bitcoin launched could explain why its creator chose anonymity.
He further speculated that using multiple online personas, including “John Dillon,” could also tie Todd to Bitcoin’s early code contributions.
However, neutral observers and Bitcoin community members have rejected Hoback’s theory, arguing that Todd’s “I am Satoshi” claims were clearly jokes and the documentary lacks solid evidence.
Bottom line: HBO's documentary has an interesting theory, but the facts don't add up
Peter contributed to Bitcoin but didn't create it.
Todd consistently denies being Satoshi, including today.
7/10 pic.twitter.com/d8MZWgJSzP
— Pix🔎 (@PixOnChain) October 9, 2024
Despite the backlash, Hoback maintains that the documentary serves a valid purpose.
He argued that uncovering Satoshi Nakamoto’s true identity is a matter of public interest, especially given the influence Bitcoin has on global markets.
The filmmaker emphasized that the individual behind Bitcoin likely controls a significant portion of its supply, which could have major implications for national governments and financial systems if Bitcoin becomes legal tender.