Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has reignited speculation about David Schwartz potentially being the elusive Bitcoin creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. During a recent podcast, Garlinghouse mentioned that some developers behind the XRP Ledger (XRPL) were also early contributors to the Bitcoin network. These developers aimed to create a better digital asset, addressing Bitcoin’s scalability issues and high energy consumption.
Garlinghouse’s remarks have sparked curiosity within the crypto community. Many now suggest that Ripple CTO David Schwartz could be Satoshi Nakamoto. Notably, Abdullah “Abs” Nassif, host of the Good Morning Crypto podcast, has added fuel to this speculation.
🚨 DID RIPPLE CEO CONFIRM — DAVID SCHWARTZ IS THE ORIGINAL SATOSHI ?! 🚨🤯 @JoelKatz
— Good Morning Crypto (@AbsGMCrypto) May 18, 2024
New Evidence Emerges In A Video From Ripple CEO @bgarlinghouse When He Confirmed Via Podcast…
“Some Of The Creators Of The $XRP Ledger, Actually Had Been Early Engineers That Worked On… pic.twitter.com/kRHs5EvBES
Evidence And Speculations
Prominent XRP community member wEeZiE previously suggested this possibility in a 2022 X post. They highlighted several events that support this theory. For instance, development on XRP started in May 2011, shortly after Nakamoto’s last known communication.
Related article: Ripple Lawsuit: Latest Move Unveiled by SEC
On April 23, 2011, Nakamoto emailed Mike Hearn about moving on to other projects. Around the same time, Schwartz disclosed he was seeking new opportunities, which eventually led to the creation of the XRP Ledger with Arthur Britto and Jed McCaleb.
Is @JoelKatz one of the 4 Satoshi’s
— wEeZiE {X}💭John Deaton 4 Senate (@NerdNationUnbox) October 25, 2022
*Satoshi posted his last message on 04/26/2011, days later in May 2011 work on #XRP began.
04/23/2011 Nakamoto messages Mike Hearn stating he’s “moved on to other things”
Forbes stated this 👇🏻 about David Schwartz in early 2011 pic.twitter.com/dLgZxr0duT
Moreover, wEeZiE noted Schwartz’s early interest in Bitcoin, reflecting Nakamoto’s concerns about centralized monetary control. They also pointed out that Schwartz, like Nakamoto, used a pseudonym, “Joel Katz.” Intriguingly, Nakamoto shared a pre-released version of the Bitcoin code on November 16, 2009, coinciding with Schwartz’s birthday.
Related article: Ripple CEO Affirms Unwavering Support for XRP
Schwartz’s Response
There is still no confirmation regarding the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto or if Schwartz fits the bill. Other individuals, like Australian computer scientist Craig Wright, have claimed to be Nakamoto, but a federal court dismissed Wright’s claims earlier this year. Despite this, some Bitcoin enthusiasts believe Wright could be Nakamoto.
Even if Craig definitely loses this case CSW is still the most likely person to be Satoshi because COPA didn't bring forth even one iota of evidence that it could be somebody else.
— Ryuushi (@_electronicCash) April 16, 2024
In response, Schwartz remarked he is more likely to be Nakamoto than Wright. He referenced Nakamoto’s description of Ripple as a company interested in developing a trust-based payment system, aligning with Schwartz’s own views and work.
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The debate over Satoshi Nakamoto’s true identity remains unresolved. While Garlinghouse’s comments have reignited theories about Schwartz, conclusive evidence is still lacking. The crypto community continues to speculate, searching for definitive answers.
