Peter Todd says HBO's Satoshi claim puts his life at risk

Software developer Peter Todd has firmly rejected claims made in an HBO documentary that he is Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC).

Todd expressed concerns that such allegations could pose serious risks to his safety, given the immense wealth associated with Nakamoto.

He warned that being portrayed as Bitcoin’s mysterious founder could make him a target for robbery and kidnapping.

In his criticism of the documentary Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery, Todd described it as a “marketing ploy” by filmmaker Cullen Hoback to promote his latest project.

Todd asserted that if Hoback had conducted more thorough research, he would have reached a different conclusion.

Many members of the crypto community share Todd's views, accusing the documentary of lacking journalistic integrity and dismissing its claims.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Todd emphasised the dangers of falsely linking someone to significant wealth.

"Obviously, falsely accusing someone of having tens of billions of dollars puts them at risk of robbery and kidnappings. He’s putting my life at risk to promote his movie," Todd stated, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

While some in the crypto community believe uncovering Satoshi Nakamoto’s true identity could impact the market, others argue that the mystery has less relevance today.

Alex Momot, founder and CEO of Peanut Trade, suggested that fears surrounding Nakamoto's identity are exaggerated, as the creator likely took measures to protect their anonymity.

Momot acknowledged that curiosity about Nakamoto remains a natural human inclination, with many drawn to the mystery.

He noted that various conspiracy theories, including speculation about intelligence agency involvement, continue to circulate.

Despite this, newer crypto users tend to prioritize Bitcoin's utility over its origins.

Ivan Manchev, head of marketing at Ambire, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while early adopters focused on Nakamoto’s identity, today’s users are more interested in the technology's potential.

Manchev likened Nakamoto to figures like Banksy and Shakespeare, symbolizing financial freedom and innovation in response to the 2008 financial crisis.

For many, Bitcoin’s creator is less important than the technology's ability to transform financial systems.

At the time of writing, the Bitcoin price was $62,548.67.