UK Court Freezes Craig Wright's Assets in $1.9 Million Dispute
The UK High Court has frozen Craig Wright's assets, ordering him to pay £1.548 million to Peter McCormack over a defamation case involving false evidence.
The United Kingdom High Court has issued a Worldwide Freezing Order (WFO) against Dr. Craig Wright, preventing him from transferring his assets until he pays £1.548 million in legal fees to Peter McCormack. This decision stems from a defamation case where Wright, claiming to be Bitcoin's founder, was found to have given false evidence.
The dispute started in 2022 when Wright, an Australian computer scientist, sued McCormack, a crypto podcast host, for defamation. Wright alleged McCormack defamed him in social media posts and YouTube videos, accusing Wright of falsely claiming to be Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin's creator.
Initially, a court acknowledged that McCormack’s statements hurt Wright’s reputation. However, due to Wright's dishonest behavior, including presenting fake evidence, the court awarded him only £1 in nominal damages. The High Court emphasized that the defamation case was part of Wright's broader attempt to silence critics questioning his claim to be Satoshi.
Justice Mellor noted that Wright’s defamation claim was part of a larger strategy to access Bitcoin attributed to Satoshi, worth billions. The judge ordered Wright to pay McCormack £1.548 million ($1.9 million) to cover legal fees, stating the case should never have been pursued as it was based on lies and forged documents.
Besides the payment order, the court issued a Worldwide Freezing Order against Wright. The judge highlighted Wright's history of not paying orders and the risk of him moving assets. “In all the circumstances, I am convinced that it is just and convenient to grant the WFO,” Justice Mellor concluded.
This legal action is a significant victory for McCormack and the crypto community. Over the years, Wright has been a controversial figure, often suing those who deny his claim of being Satoshi Nakamoto. The court’s decision to freeze his assets and demand substantial legal fees emphasizes the judiciary's stance against fraudulent claims and dishonest practices.
The case underlines the importance of honesty in legal proceedings, especially in high-stakes defamation cases involving key figures in the crypto world. Wright's attempt to use the court system to strengthen his disputed claim to the Bitcoin legacy has been firmly rejected, reinforcing that the legal system should not support fraudulent narratives.
The UK High Court’s Worldwide Freezing Order against Craig Wright highlights the consequences of dishonest conduct in defamation cases. By ordering Wright to pay £1.548 million in legal fees and freezing his assets, the court has shown a strong stance against his efforts to silence critics and manipulate legal proceedings. This decision is a notable win for Peter McCormack and the crypto community, emphasizing the judiciary's role in upholding truth and justice.
