- MetaLawMan (James Murphy) sues DHS using FOIA regarding alleged 2019 Satoshi interview
- Lawsuit follows 2019 claim by DHS official that agents met Bitcoin’s elusive creator
- DHS failed to respond to February FOIA request; lawsuit now seeks court compulsion
Attorney and crypto commentator James A. Murphy, known online as MetaLawMan, filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Murphy aims to uncover records related to claims that the U.S. government secretly interviewed the elusive Bitcoin creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, back in 2019.
Lawsuit Stems from 2019 DHS Official Claim
Filed on April 7th, the lawsuit follows years of speculation sparked by a public assertion from a senior DHS official. According to Murphy’s court filing, this official stated in 2019 that DHS agents traveled to California where they interviewed Satoshi Nakamoto and learned three other individuals were also involved in creating Bitcoin.
Murphy is now using the FOIA process to compel DHS to release any notes, emails, or other records connected to this alleged meeting
Related: Coinbase Alleges SEC and FDIC Stonewalling on Ethereum Stance in FOIA Lawsuit
Significance Tied to Bitcoin’s Scale, US Policy
Uncovering the truth about Bitcoin’s origins carries significant weight in today’s context. Bitcoin has evolved far beyond a niche asset, now boasting a market value exceeding $1.7 trillion and utilized by over 100 million people globally.
Murphy argues that transparency surrounding its creation is therefore essential for public trust and sound policymaking. The lawsuit surfaces as U.S. financial policy undergoes pivotal shifts, including President Trump’s plan for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and active consideration by nearly 20 states and the U.S. Senate regarding holding Bitcoin in public funds.
FOIA Request Details and DHS Non-Response
Murphy’s formal FOIA request, initially submitted to DHS on February 12, 2025, specifically asked the agency to release all records pertaining to the alleged interview and any related documents concerning Bitcoin’s creation. The request identified relevant DHS components, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Science and Technology Directorate.
Related: FOIA Request Casts Light on SEC’s Cryptocurrency Approach
Despite the specificity, DHS has neither produced responsive documents nor issued a formal denial providing reasons for withholding information. Murphy’s legal complaint emphasizes the public’s right to know whether federal agents did indeed meet with Bitcoin’s inventor.
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