Satoshi's Bitcoin Fortune: Billions at Stake?
Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin fortune may exceed $108 billion, potentially surpassing even Bill Gates' wealth, according to recent analysis. This claim stems from research focusing on Bitcoin wallets associated with early Bitcoin mining and transactions.
Possible Clues to Satoshi's Identity and Holdings
Coinbase director Conor Grogan's research centers on a specific Bitcoin address (address number 24) and its transaction history. A significant portion of transactions from this address went to the now-defunct Canadian exchange, CaVirtEx, which was acquired by Kraken in 2016. This raises questions about whether Kraken possesses KYC (Know Your Customer) information that could potentially reveal Nakamoto's identity. Grogan estimates Nakamoto may hold around 1.096 million Bitcoins, currently valued at approximately $108 billion. This figure is based on current market rates and surpasses Bill Gates' estimated net worth.
The Patoshi Mining Pattern
Further bolstering the theory is the 'Patoshi' mining pattern, observed in early Bitcoin blocks. This pattern suggests a cluster of addresses that may be linked to Nakamoto's early mining activity. While not directly confirming Nakamoto's ownership, the evidence strongly suggests control of a significant amount of Bitcoin.
Additional Evidence: Bitcoin Faucets and Transactions
The analysis also includes data from Bitcoin faucets, early platforms offering small amounts of Bitcoin. Transactions involving these faucets, including a 500 BTC transaction to a Canadian address in 2010, are considered relevant clues.
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation
Despite the compelling evidence, Nakamoto's identity remains a mystery. The analysis only points towards significant holdings and potential connections to Canadian Bitcoin exchanges. The last confirmed on-chain activity from Nakamoto's wallets dates back to 2014.
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