Antony Parsons
Since 2019, a series of significant Bitcoin transactions from wallets created in 2010 have sparked a new theory about the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin. These wallets, each containing 50 BTC, have been periodically moving large amounts of Bitcoin, suggesting a well-thought-out strategy to maintain privacy and anonymity.
Key Transactions and Timeline
- November 2019: The first $5 million worth of coins were sold from these 2010 wallets.
- March 2020: A transaction worth $8 million occurred.
- October 2020: Another transaction worth $13 million was recorded.
These movements have led researchers to speculate that the entity behind these transactions could be none other than Satoshi Nakamoto. The timing and nature of these transactions suggest a deliberate effort to avoid drawing attention to older, potentially more identifiable wallets.
2010 Mega Whale and Satoshi Nakamoto
The theory posits that the 2010 mega whale, an entity that mined 50 Bitcoin each in 2010, could be the same person or group as Satoshi Nakamoto.
Here are the key points supporting this theory:
Key Points of the Theory
- Initial Mining and First Movement: The 2010 mega whale is believed to have mined 50 Bitcoin each in 2010. The first movement of these coins was recorded in November 2019.
- Strategic Sales: The theory suggests that Satoshi Nakamoto may have been selling BTC from these 2010 wallets since 2019, deliberately avoiding older wallets to stay anonymous.
- Privacy and Identity Protection: By using 2010 wallets instead of those from 2009, Satoshi could preserve the integrity of their original stash while protecting their identity.
- Consolidation and Distribution: The Bitcoin was reportedly consolidated into a Pay-to-Script-Hash (P2SH) address and later distributed to Bech32 addresses.
Implications and Analysis
The analysis of these transactions highlights the sophisticated approach taken by the wallet owner. By consolidating and distributing the Bitcoin through different address types, the owner has likely minimized the risk of being identified. This strategy is consistent with the high level of technical expertise and foresight attributed to Satoshi Nakamoto.
Coinbase, the crypto exchange where these coins were deposited, is in a unique position to potentially know more about the person or entity behind these transactions. However, if the whale operates through intermediaries, the trail may remain obscured.
Conclusion
The new theory that the 2010 mega whale could be Satoshi Nakamoto adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing mystery surrounding Bitcoin’s creator. The strategic and methodical nature of the transactions from 2010 wallets suggests a level of planning and caution that aligns with the characteristics attributed to Satoshi. As more data and analysis are conducted, the true identity of the 2010 mega whale may come closer to being revealed, or the mystery may deepen even further.
