‘Bitcoin Creator’ Craig Wright Almost Ended Up in Handcuffs: Report
Craig Wright lost his cool and almost ended up in handcuffs. | Source: (i) YouTube (ii) Shutterstock; Edited by CCN.com
Craig Wright revealed that the private keys necessary to access a disputed $10 billion Bitcoin haul would be released next year. Wright claimed the keys were handed to a bonded courier, who was directed to deliver them in 2020.
The revelations came during Wright’s deposition in the ongoing Kleiman trial, at one point during which he allegedly theatrically broke down in tears. According to Florida court reporter, Carolina Bolado, the legal battle looks set to run for some time, as Wright wreaks havoc and confusion in the courtroom.
The Story Changes: Bitcoin Keys Will Be Released in 2020
As per live tweet updates from the Florida courtroom, the self-proclaimed Satoshi Nakamoto’s day in court was eventful, if unproductive. Between bouts of crying, throwing documents across the room, and being threatened with handcuffs, Wright made yet more startling claims.
Despite being questioned on the whereabouts of the contested Bitcoin trust private keys for over a year, this is the first time Wright ever mentioned the 2020 release date. Until now, he claimed the Bitcoin holdings were practically unattainable. Wright maintained the funds were guarded by multiple stewards in a blind trust – to which he did not have access.
When asked who was in possession of those 15 slices, Wright claimed to be in ownership of some himself. On the location of the others he claimed to be less sure.
At this point, the judge took over questioning – likely incensed by Craig Wright’s sudden revelation, which should have been made known earlier. From Bolado’s minute by minute tweets:
The judge reiterated the claims for clarity’s sake – throughout all of the court proceedings thus far, Wright has never mentioned this multi-key, 2020 bonded courier system.
Tears, Fears, and Handcuffs
Amid the revelations coming from West Palm Beach on Friday, court attendees were also greeted to some theatrics. As well as breaking down in tears at the thought of this invention being used by criminals, Wright threw court documents across the room, prompting the judge to threaten him with immediate arrest.
At one point in the proceedings, Kleiman’s counsel, Vel Freedman , asked why Wright had listed a company created in 2014 as the beneficiary of a trust created in 2012.
Freedman put several documents to Wright, which the Australian claimed not to recognize. That’s despite the fact that it was his own legal team which sourced them during discovery.
That seems to be the tone of the day according to Bolado’s updates – confusion, befuddlement, and stalling for time. How much truth there is in Craig Wright’s latest claims is up for debate. But one thing’s for sure according to Bolado, this won’t be over any time soon.
