Craig Wright’s assets are frozen above the defamation suit

The UK High Court has issued a Worldwide Freezing Order (WFO) against Australian computer scientist and entrepreneur Craig Wright.

The move prevents Wright from moving the property until he pays £1.548 million ($1.9 million) in legal fees to crypt podcast host Peter McCormack.

The court froze Wright's assets

The legal battle of both parties started in 2011. In 2022, Wright, the self-proclaimed founder of Bitcoin, sued McCormack for defamation. Wright accused McCormack of defaming him in several social media posts and YouTube videos after the podcaster claimed to be computer scientist Satoshi.

In an earlier ruling, the court found that McCormack's statements harmed Wright's reputation. However, Wright was awarded only £1 for damages for his dishonest conduct, including providing false evidence.

Read more: Satoshi Nakamoto – Who is the founder of Bitcoin?

The High Court upheld the decision, saying the defamation case was part of a wider campaign by Wright to silence those who argued he was not the founder of Bitcoin. According to the judge, the law would be in a “sad and sad state” if a litigator in McCormack's position couldn't recoup the costs of fighting that kind of litigation.

“With the benefit of hindsight, it can be seen that the defamation claim was part of a dangerous overall campaign by Dr. Wright and his supporters to target Dr. Wright as Satoshi Nakamoto and ultimately (see Tulip Trading Claim). Many billions were spent on Satoshi's largesse. Bitcoin in whole or in part,” Judge Mellor wrote.

With this in mind, the judge ordered Wright to pay £1.548 million ($1.9 million) to McCormack to cover his legal fees. The judge stated that a defamation suit should never be “threatened, initiated or pursued” as it is based on lies and is supported by various forged documents.

In addition, the court granted a WFO against Wright. The judge highlighted the history of non-execution of payment orders and the risk of asset dispersal.

“In all the circumstances, I have no doubt that it would be fair and convenient to grant a WFO because I do not think Mr McCormack should have to face the risk of costs orders which he would prove to be unsatisfied,” the judge concluded. .

Read more: What is Bitcoin?

This lawsuit marks another significant victory for the crypto community. Over the years, Australian Satoshi has consistently pursued legal action against naysayers.