Dorian Nakamoto fundraiser generates $23,000

In the weeks since Newsweek boisterously claimed to have identified bitcoin’s mysterious creator as 64-year-old Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto, evidence has piled up that the once-venerable magazine was wrong. Almost immediately after Dorian Nakamoto insisted to the Associated Press that he was not involved with bitcoin in any way, but was actually a financially struggling retired engineer, noted bitcoin evangelist Andreas M. Antonopoulos took to Reddit and other popular forums with the idea of helping him out.

I have no idea if this person is Satoshi, though it seems increasingly unlikely. However, it doesn’t matter either way. If this person is Satoshi, then the funds are a small “thanks” and won’t make much of a difference. … However, if this person is not Satoshi, then these funds will serve as a “sorry for what happened to you”, help with medical bills his family is facing, any legal bills they may incur, or anything else. Most of all, it serves to soften the damage caused by irresponsible journalism and to demonstrate the generosity and empathy of the community, which I know is huge.

By any measurement, the Dorian Nakamoto fundraiser has been a success. In just over three weeks, thousands of bitcoiners contributed 47.5 BTC, or roughly $23,000. According to Blockchain.info, the funds have not been moved. It’s not clear when the funds will be exchanged, or if Antonopoulos has had any direct contact with Dorian Nakamoto. The deadline for donations was March 31, with funds to be converted to dollars and delivered, if possible, at the end of the month.