Newsweek 'Bitcoin Founder' Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto: I Don't Even Have Internet

Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto was propelled into the glare of the global media spotlight two weeks ago when the cover story on the newly-relaunched print version of Newsweek identified him as the mysterious creator of the cryptocurrency bitcoin.

In the hours and days after the article was published, the claims contained within it were widely debunked and eventually Nakamoto himself denied he was bitcoin's founder, saying the quote on which the article hinged was a case of misunderstanding and that he was never involved with bitcoin.

Now Nakamoto has retained Ethan Kirschner as his legal counsel to try and clear his name once and for all.

In an official statement sent to Reuters' journalist Felix Salmon by Kirschner, Nakamoto said:

"My name is Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto. I am the subject of the Newsweek story on Bitcoin. I am writing this statement to clear my name. I did not create, invent or otherwise work on Bitcoin. I unconditionally deny the Newsweek report."

'I haven't had internet since last year'

The statement goes on to give details of his employment background, stating that he was an electrical engineer who worked on air traffic control systems for the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in the US.

He says he has no knowledge of "cryptography, peer to peer systems, or alternative currencies" and never worked on any projects related to them.

The 64-year-old claims he hasn't been able to secure full-time employment for the last 10 years in his field of expertise, and has worked as a labourer, poll-taker and substitute teacher in recent years.

He adds that financial strains have become so severe that in 2013 he had to cancel his internet subscription. The Japanese-American added:

"My prospects for gainful employment has been harmed because of Newsweek's article."

False report

Nakamoto also revealed that he is recovering from prostate surgery which he had in 2012 and a stroke which he suffered in October of 2013. He added that Newsweek's "false report" had caused a lot of "confusion and stress" not only for himself but for his 93-year-old mother, his siblings and their families.

It was reported last week that Nakamoto had received 44 bitcoins (around $16,500) in donations from the bitcoin community in the wake of the Newsweek article being published.

"I offer my sincerest thanks to those people in the United States and around the world who have offered me their support," Nakamoto said.

He concludes by saying this will be the last public statement he makes on the matter and asks for everyone to respect his privacy.

Newsweek issued a statement in the wake of the controversy surrounding its story saying the company "stands strongly behind" Leah McGrath Goodman, the author of the article. Neither Newsweek, its editor Jim Impoco or Goodman herself have responded to Nakamoto's latest statement.

Here is the full statement from Nakamoto:

My name is Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto. I am the subject of the Newsweek story on Bitcoin. I am writing this statement to clear my name.

I did not create, invent or otherwise work on Bitcoin. I unconditionally deny the Newsweek report.

The first time I heard the term "bitcoin" was from my son in mid-February 2014. After being contacted by a reporter, my son called me and used the world, which I had veer before heard.

Shortly thereafter, the reporter confronted me at my home. I called the police. I never consented to speak with the reporter. In an ensuing discussion with a reporter from the Associated Press, I called the technology "bitcom." I was still unfamiliar with the term.

My background is in electrical engineering. I also have the ability to program. My most recent job was as an electrical engineer troubleshooting air traffic control equipment for the FAA. I have no knowledge of nor have I ever worked on cryptography, peer to peer systems, or alternative currencies.

I have not been able to find streaky work as an engineer or programmer for ten years. I have worked as a labourer, poll take, and substitute teacher. I discontinued my internet service in 2013 due to severe financial distress. I am trying to recover from prostate surgery in October 2012 and a stroke I suffered in October of 2013. My prospects for gainful employment has been harmed because of Newsweek's article.

Newsweek's false report have been the source of a great deal of confusion and stress for myself, my 93-year-old mother, my siblings and their families. I offer my sincerest thanks to those people in the United States and around the world who have offered me their support. I have retained legal counsel. This will be our last public statement on the matter. I ask that you now respect our privacy.