NYT Reporter Claims to Solve Bitcoin Founder Mystery, but Man Named Denies It

Journalist says evidence points to British cryptographer Adam Back as Satoshi Nakamoto, but Back firmly rejects the claim.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A New York Times reporter claims to have uncovered the real identity of Bitcoin's elusive founder Satoshi Nakamoto, naming British computer scientist and cryptographer Adam Back as the likely creator. However, Back has flatly denied the reporter's findings, insisting "it's really not me" and that the evidence is merely a "combination of coincidence and similar phrases."

Why it matters

The identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin, has been one of the biggest mysteries in the tech world. If the reporter's claims are true, it would finally solve this long-standing enigma and provide insight into the origins of the world's most prominent cryptocurrency. However, Back's strong denials cast doubt on the reporter's conclusions, leaving the true identity of Nakamoto still shrouded in mystery.

The details

The New York Times reporter, John Carreyrou, spent over a year investigating the Satoshi Nakamoto identity, combing through emails, forum posts, and early internet records. Carreyrou found that emails and posts attributed to Nakamoto used British expressions and spellings, suggesting a UK-based author like Back. The reporter also cited similarities in writing style, technical language, and grammar quirks between Back and Nakamoto, as well as Back's invention of Hashcash, a precursor cited in the original Bitcoin white paper. However, Back has rejected the claims, arguing the evidence is merely a "combination of coincidence and similar phrases" due to his long history in the "cypherpunk" movement and discussions around early digital cash.

  • In 2008, Nakamoto reached out to Adam Back ahead of the Bitcoin white paper's release, according to emails that surfaced during a legal fight involving Craig Wright.
  • On April 8, 2026, New York Times reporter John Carreyrou published his findings claiming Adam Back is the real Satoshi Nakamoto.

The players

John Carreyrou

A New York Times reporter who spent over a year investigating the identity of Bitcoin's founder Satoshi Nakamoto, ultimately naming British cryptographer Adam Back as the likely creator.

Adam Back

A 55-year-old British computer scientist and cryptographer who has repeatedly denied he is Bitcoin's elusive creator Satoshi Nakamoto, despite the New York Times reporter's claims.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“i'm not satoshi, but I was early in laser focus on the positive societal implications of cryptography, online privacy and electronic cash.”

— Adam Back, British cryptographer

“the rest is a combination of coincidence and similar phrases from people with similar experience and interests.”

— Adam Back, British cryptographer

“I also don't know who satoshi is, and I think it is good for bitcoin that this is the case.”

— Adam Back, British cryptographer

What’s next

The New York Times reporter, John Carreyrou, has stated he remains skeptical of Adam Back's denials, suggesting the cryptographer's explanations often fall short. It remains to be seen if Carreyrou will pursue further investigation or if the mystery of Satoshi Nakamoto's identity will continue.

The takeaway

This case highlights the enduring mystery surrounding the origins of Bitcoin and the challenges in definitively identifying its anonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. Even with extensive research and analysis, the true identity remains elusive, underscoring the importance of privacy and anonymity in the world of cryptocurrency.