Craig Wright and Kleiman Case: 2- Dave Kleiman
Dave Kleiman, born on January 22, 1967, in the United States, was a forensic computer expert, an author or co-author of multiple books, and a frequent speaker at security-related events. Craig Steven Wright claims that Kleiman was involved in the invention of Bitcoin and asserts himself as Satoshi Nakamoto, the main creator of Bitcoin. Wright's claims are generally considered a deception.
In 1988, at the age of 21, Kleiman was selected as the Military Policeman of the Year in the United States Army. He received the Army Achievement Medal and a commendation signed by the Secretary of the Army. The commendation partly stated, "When your knowledge of general military subjects, current events, and other matters combined with your strong dedication to duty, it produced nothing short of outstanding results."
After his distinguished service in the military, Dave Kleiman returned to his hometown and became a sworn law enforcement officer for the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO). In 1995, a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed, and he had to use a wheelchair. After recovery, he continued working at PBSO, reaching the rank of detective. He also worked as a system security analyst in the computer crime unit and assisted in setting up the computer forensics laboratory. Dave Kleiman continued working in various high-tech companies before becoming a partner in digital forensics.
Dave Kleiman held several certifications, including Information Systems Security Management Professional (ISSMP), Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Forensics Investigator (CIFI), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist (CAS), Certified Computer Examiner (CCE), and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).
Some of Dave Kleiman's notable works occurred during his role as Chief Security Officer at S-doc (Securit-e-doc). During his time there, he developed a Windows encryption tool that surpassed NSA, NIST, and Microsoft Common Criteria guidelines. This technology was used at NASA, the US Department of the Treasury, the General Accounting Office, and the US Postal Service. Kleiman also contributed regularly to crypto forums and security mailing lists, discussing technical aspects of cryptocurrency systems and cryptographic policies.
Dave Kleiman was an active member of the Metzdowd Cryptography email list, where Satoshi Nakamoto first announced Bitcoin on October 31, 2008.
In February 2018, Ira Kleiman, Dave Kleiman's estate executor and brother, filed a lawsuit against Wright, claiming that Wright had defrauded Kleiman's bitcoin property and intellectual property rights.
Bitcoin Founding Claim
In December 2015, Gizmodo reported, based on documents sent to the press regarding Craig Steven Wright's claim to be Satoshi Nakamoto, that Dave Kleiman might have been involved in the creation of the digital currency Bitcoin. Some found Wright's claims about the creation of Bitcoin highly suspicious and considered them a likely scam.
Death and Lingering Questions
Dave Kleiman passed away at his home in late April 2013 due to complications from an MRSA infection. However, his cause of death was not officially disclosed, leading to speculation in the crypto community. His sudden death left behind many unanswered questions and became a mysterious point in the history of cryptocurrency.
Craig Wright and Dave Kleiman Lawsuit
Craig Wright became entangled in a legal battle over the distribution of Bitcoin assets in a lawsuit filed by Kleiman's estate. The case concluded in 2021 with a verdict in favor of Kleiman, but only a fraction of the requested amount was awarded in compensation.
Dave Kleiman's Legacy and Impact on the Crypto World
Dave Kleiman, despite his short life, left a significant mark on the crypto world. His expertise, contributions to projects, and influence on the evolution of cryptocurrencies make Kleiman a memorable figure. However, his death and the lingering questions he left behind still await clear answers.
