Epstein Files Exposed: Previously Invested in Blockstream and Had Close Ties to Early Bitcoin Circles

ChainCatcher reports that declassified Epstein documents from January 30 reveal he had connections with several key industry figures during the formative years of cryptocurrency. An email from 2014 confirms his participation in the $18 million seed round funding of Bitcoin infrastructure company Blockstream, which was oversubscribed, with personal investments increasing from $50,000 to $500,000 through the Joi Ito Fund at MIT Media Lab. Co-founder Austin Hill and Bitcoin pioneer Adam Back are also mentioned in email correspondence.

The documents further show that in 2014, he discussed the definition of Bitcoin with Peter Thiel; in 2016, he proposed creating an Islamic cryptocurrency to a Saudi royal advisor; in 2011, he described Bitcoin as very clever but with serious flaws; and in 2017, he explicitly stated that buying Bitcoin was not worth it. Additionally, the names of MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor and Trump’s newly nominated Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh appeared on the guest list for the 2010 St. Bart’s New Year party.

The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that investigations found no evidence of Epstein using cryptocurrencies for money laundering or regulatory evasion; his role was limited to high-level connections, occasional investments, and observation.