The BitCoin digital currency system is intriguing in its desire to circumvent traditional currency. More intriguing is that its creator Satoshi Nakamoto is an enigma shrouded in mysterious mystery.
It’s generally accepted that Satoshi Nakamoto is an alias. That lead The New Yorker’s Joshua Davis on a quest to find the real identity of the BitCoin creator. After some detective work, he seems to have found a suspect. While attending Crypto 2011, Davis encountered Michael Clear. Clear’s background fit Nakamoto’s profile. He has experience with economics, cryptography, peer-to-peer networking, and a deep understanding of C++.
When Davis asked Clear if he was Satoshi, Clear didn’t respond but offered to review the design of BitCoin for him. When confronted again about being the BitCoin Creator, Clear told Davis, “I’m not Satoshi, but even if I was I wouldn’t tell you.” I think I’ve seen enough crime dramas to say that Clear’s probably the BitCoin guy. [The New Yorker via Beta Beat]