A Los Angeles-based law firm has been hired by Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto, who was recently dubbed as Bitcoin’s creator by Newsweek, in an attempt to clear the man’s name.
The office, represented by the lawyer Ethan D. Kirschner, issued a statement signed by Nakamoto during the weekend. “This firm has been retained by Dorian S. Nakamoto, the subject of the recent Newsweek cover story on Bitcoin. He has issued the attached prepared statement. No further comment will be made by Mr. Nakamoto or the firm”.
“I did not create, invent or otherwise work on Bitcoin. I unconditionally deny the Newsweek report“, the Japanese man claims, adding that he first heard the word ‘Bitcoin’ when his son was talking about the cryptocurrency back in February. That was the first time the family was contacted by Newsweek.
“My background is in engineering. I also have the ability to program. My most recent job was as an electrical engineer troubleshooting air traffic control equipment for the FAA. I have no knowledge of nor have I ever worked on cryptography, peer to peer systems, or alternative currencies“, Nakamoto says in the statement, according to the LA Times.
And what about the recent gap in the man’s resume pointed out by Newsweek? The article suggests that Nakamoto used this time to write and release Bitcoin’s white paper. But not according to Dorian:
I have not been able to find steady work as an engineer or programmer for ten years. I have worked as a laborer, polltaker, and substitute teacher. I discontinued my internet service in 2013 due to severe financial distress. I am trying to recover from prostate surgery in October 2012 and a stroke I suffered in October of 2013. My prospects for gainful employment has been harmed because of Newsweek’s article.
That is the main reason why Nakamoto is ready to go to court. “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”.
“I offer my sincerest thanks to those people in the United States and around the world who have offered me their support”, he said, referring to the many Bitcoiners that decided to donate cryptocurrency in order to help Nakamoto seek justice. “I have retained legal counsel. This will be our last public statement on this matter. I ask that you now respect our privacy”.