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UK High Court Judge Rules Against Craig Wright
On May 19, the UK High Court judge ruled against Craig Wright, an Australian computer scientist who had claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous inventor of Bitcoin.
Judge’s Ruling
In a 231-page ruling, Judge James Mellor stated that Wright “lied to the court repeatedly” and that his claim to be Nakamoto is “his biggest lie.”
COPA Lawsuit
The judgment resulted from a lawsuit filed by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA), representing major cryptocurrency and blockchain firms. COPA sought relief to prevent Wright from pursuing copyright claims over the Bitcoin codebase and white paper based on his alleged status as Satoshi Nakamoto.
Accusations Against Wright
Judge Mellor dismantled Wright’s case, describing it as “riddled with inconsistencies and absurd explanations.” Mellor accused Wright of forging documents and submitting fake evidence “on a grand scale” in his failed effort to prove he authored the Satoshi white paper and mined the first Bitcoins in 2009.
Impact on Wright
The judge’s assessment represents a major credibility blow to Wright, who has brought numerous copyright infringement lawsuits premised on being Bitcoin’s creator.
Questions Arise
Following the ruling, questions remain about Wright’s financier and Hodlonaut’s reaction to the verdict. There are rumors that online gambling tycoon Calvin Ayre may have been Wright’s major financier, despite expressing skepticism about Wright’s claim.
Hodlonaut’s Response
Hodlonaut, a Bitcoin maximalist previously sued by Wright for libel, reiterated his stance on social media. Quoting the judge’s scathing remarks, Hodlonaut highlighted how the judge deemed Wright’s claims to be an “intricate web of lies.”
Legal Battle Conclusion
The rejection of Wright’s claims comes after a legal battle lasting nearly five years, including lawsuits against Hodlonaut for defamation.
Ian is a cryptocurrency enthusiast blending humor with professionalism. With an engineering background and a storyteller's heart, he simplifies the blockchain world with sharp analysis and a touch of wit. At Cryptowire, he brings his unique perspective to make digital financial innovation accessible to all.
