Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto, a man named by Newsweek as purportedly behind Bitcoin, has officially denied any involvement with the currency.
Nakamoto said in a statement sent to Reuters blogger Felix Salmon through his lawyer that “I did not create, invent, or otherwise work on Bitcoin.
“I unconditionally deny the Newsweek report,” he added.
He said that the first time he heard the term “Bitcoin,” was from his son in mid-February 2014.
He added that he does have the ability to program and has a background in engineering, though he doesn’t have any knowledge of nor has he ever worked on cryptography, peer to peer systems, or alternative currencies.
Nakamoto said that because of his difficulties finding work over the last decade, he has had to resort to jobs such as a laborer, polltaker, and substitute teacher. Financial difficulties prompted him to discontinue his Internet service in 2013.
He said that Newseek’s article has harmed his prospects for gainful employment.
“Newsweek’s false report has been the source of a great deal of confusion and stress for myself, my 93-year-old mother, my siblings, and their families,” he said. “I offer my sincerest thanks to those people in the United States and around the world who have offered me their support. I have retained legal counsel. This will be our last public statement on this matter. I ask that you now respect our privacy.”
