Attorney James A. Murphy has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), demanding records of an alleged 2019 meeting between U.S. government representatives and Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit challenges long-held assumptions about Bitcoin’s origins by suggesting Satoshi Nakamoto may represent a collective entity rather than an individual. This legal action seeks to uncover potential government-held evidence regarding the cryptocurrency founder’s identity.
Central to the case is Satoshi Nakamoto’s reported control of approximately 1.1 million Bitcoins, valued at $115 billion. Market analysts warn that revealing the creator’s identity could trigger significant volatility if these holdings are moved, given their substantial portion of Bitcoin’s total supply.
The lawsuit aims to bring transparency to Bitcoin’s foundational history, which could reshape regulatory perspectives and market confidence in cryptocurrencies. This legal approach differs from previous disputed claims about Satoshi’s identity by directly pursuing government documentation through judicial channels.