Chat_152 - Forging Satoshi with Mark Hunter & Arthur Van Pelt
"If you can get a court to say you're Satoshi, and you are of this mindset, you can then go ahead and you can sue Bitcoin developers, Bitcoin exchanges, whatever, to say, "look, I've got a court ruling that I'm Satoshi. Your version of Bitcoin is not the real Bitcoin. I'm Satoshi. My version of Bitcoin", which in Craig's world as BSV, is the real Bitcoin. So you need to either pay damages or license from me, etc.
So the whole point was to get a court to rule he was Satoshi, which would give him the foundation to file these lawsuits that he did at the same time anyway. But that was the whole point was to get that first one through the door, get a court to say he's Satoshi, give him massive backing when he tries to take on the institutions to try and get the billions from them. Because again, just like with the ATO, it's a shortcut to riches."~ Mark Hunter
What happens when an elaborate con becomes one of Bitcoin’s strangest sagas? In this episode, I sit down with Mark Hunter (Dr. Bitcoin) and Arthur Van Pelt—the duo behind the “FakeToshi” chronicle—to dig into the unbelievable story of Craig Wright, Calvin Ayre, and the tangled web of fake lawsuits, forged evidence, and tax scams that have haunted Bitcoin for nearly a decade.
We unpack the origins of the infamous “Satoshi” claims, how two researchers uncovered endless contradictions, and why the trail now stretches from Australian tax authorities all the way to Europe’s Wirecard scandal. How did one man’s pursuit of prestige and power turn into an ongoing courtroom drama—and why does anyone still believe him?
It’s a fascinating blend of true crime, bitcoin history, and a cautionary tale about hubris in the digital age.
Check out our awesome sponsors!
Ledn: Need fiat but don’t want to sell your Bitcoin? Ledn offers secure, Bitcoin-backed loans with no credit checks, flexible repayment, and fast turnaround—often within 24 hours. With $10B+ in loans across 100+ countries and transparent Proof of Reserves, Ledn is a trusted option for unlocking liquidity without giving up your Bitcoin. (Link: https://learn.ledn.io/audible)
HRF: The Human Rights Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies. Subscribe to HRF's Financial Freedom Newsletter today. (Link: https://mailchi.mp/hrf.org/financial-freedom-newsletter)
OFF: The Oslo Freedom Forum is a global human rights event by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), uniting voices from activism, journalism, tech, and beyond. Through powerful stories and collaboration, OFF advances freedom and human potential worldwide. Join us next June. (Link: https://oslofreedomforum.com/)
Pubky: Pubky is building the next web, a decentralized system designed to put control back in your hands. Escape censorship, algorithmic manipulation, and walled gardens by owning your identity and data. Explore the Pubky web and become the algorithm today. Don't forget to find me on my Pubky ID here: pk:5d7thwzkxx5mz6gk1f19wfyykr6nrwzaxri3io7ahejg1z74qngo. (Link: https://pubky.org)
Chroma: Chroma is dedicated to advancing human performance and well-being through cutting-edge light therapy devices and performance eyewear. Their mission is to enhance physical and mental health, unlocking peak human health, cognitive function, and physical performance. Get 10% off your order with the code BITCOINAUDIBLE. (Link: https://getchroma.co/?ref=BitcoinAudible)
Guest Links
Deutschland