Australian entrepreneur Craig Wright, who tried to prove that he was the founder of bitcoin Satoshi Nakamoto, has declared to cease his attempts after facing overwhelming scepticism of the bitcoin community.

The decision has been announced on Craig’s blog, where he deleted all previous publications declaring that he was Satoshi. But, as seen from the post, he is not denying the claim itself.

“I’m Sorry

I believed that I could do this. I believed that I could put the years of anonymity and hiding behind me. But, as the events of this week unfolded and I prepared to publish the proof of access to the earliest keys, I broke. I do not have the courage. I cannot,” writes the businessman.

So, according to Wright, it is not the lack of evidence that prevents him from proving Satoshi’s identity, but rather emotional reasons: it is impossible for him to oppose the mistrust and suspicion of the bitcoin community.

However, as some opponents have noted, the best way out of the situation would be the publication of some irrefutable evidence, which would, without a doubt, be available to real Satoshi. So thinks, for example, Gavin Andresen, who said that a person claiming to be the founder of bitcoin ought to move some bitcoins through the key associated with an early block. But Wright seems to disagree.

“When the rumors began, my qualifications and character were attacked. When those allegations were proven false, new allegations have already begun. I know now that I am not strong enough for this.”

The emotional message of the entrepreneur is finished with his excuses to experienced bitcoin developers who initially believed him and are in an awkward position now that he refuses to give further evidence.

“I know that this weakness will cause great damage to those that have supported me, and particularly to Jon Matonis and Gavin Andresen. I can only hope that their honour and credibility is not irreparably tainted by my actions. They were not deceived, but I know that the world will never believe that now. I can only say I’m sorry.

And goodbye.”

Earlier Craig Wright published cryptographic data that was supposed to prove that he was Satoshi Nakamoto. The businessman also hinted in general terms that all these years he (i.e. Satoshi) hadn’t been idle and promised, without going into detail, to share some important results. But bitcoin enthusiasts who have analysed the data published by Wright, generally say that no valid proof has been yet provided.

Andrew Levich