Craig Wright sent legal letters to those who deny that he is Satoshi Nakamoto

An Australian computer scientist who claims to be the mysterious creator of bitcoin is using English libel law in an attempt to silence people who do not believe him.

Craig Wright, 49, generated headlines around the world in 2016 by publicly identifying himself as Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym adopted by the person or group that invented the cryptocurrency, a form of electronic cash.

However, the evidence he put forward was seen by critics as unconvincing and it later emerged that his claim was linked to a PR strategy around a new business venture.

He failed to provide incontrovertible proof that he was Nakamoto, saying: “I do not have the courage. I cannot.”

Dr Wright, who is based in the UK, is now involved with a