Crypto Attorney Files Lawsuit Against US Government to Disclose Bitcoin Creator’s Identity
Crypto attorney James A. Murphy, known on the internet as “MetaLawMan,” has initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of this lawsuit is to obtain documents that could reveal the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin (BTC).
Filed in a District Court in Washington D.C., this lawsuit arises from a 2019 statement made by DHS Special Agent Rana Saoud, who asserted that the agency had identified and interviewed four individuals associated with Bitcoin during a conference in California.
According to Saoud, DHS agents engaged with the group to gain insights into the motivations and circumstances surrounding the creation of the cryptocurrency.
Murphy is requesting access to internal records, including emails, notes, and other documents related to the purported meeting. His previous Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests have not received any responses. Representing Murphy in this case is Brian Field, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and specialist in FOIA litigation.
Who is Satoshi Nakamoto?
The identity of Bitcoin’s creator remains one of the most enduring mysteries in the crypto world. Nakamoto, who released the Bitcoin white paper in 2008 and launched the network in 2009, vanished not long after.
The discussions surrounding the identity—or identities—behind this pseudonym have been ongoing for more than ten years.
Murphy contends that the issue has gained heightened importance, especially considering the billions invested in spot Bitcoin ETFs and a recent executive order from Donald Trump, which established a strategic Bitcoin reserve utilizing federally forfeited assets. The DHS has not provided any comments in response to inquiries.
Crypto in America contributed to this article.