Overview
- New DOJ records detail Epstein’s October 2016 pitch for a physical 'Sharia' fiat and a blockchain-based Sharia currency, in which he wrote he had spoken to 'some of the founders of Bitcoin,' a claim that remains unverified.
- Emails show Epstein was receiving Bitcoin analysis by April 2013 via a note forwarded by Boris Nikolic that discussed the technology’s payment use and network effects.
- A July 31, 2014 email from Blockstream co-founder Austin Hill asked to reduce or remove Epstein’s allocation, arguing investor backing of Ripple and Stellar conflicted with Blockstream’s Bitcoin-centric strategy, with Joi Ito and Reid Hoffman copied.
- Blockstream CEO Adam Back said the company met Epstein in 2014 through an introduction from MIT’s Joi Ito but has 'no direct nor indirect financial connection' to Epstein or his estate, noting the fund that invested later divested; he has faced online backlash as travel emails referencing St. Thomas circulate.
- Additional correspondence includes forwarded Coinbase investor updates and reporting about a possible arrangement involving Blockchain Capital, though specifics and any payments to Epstein remain unclear as researchers continue reviewing the trove.