Epstein Records Reveal Early Bitcoin Interest And Funding

Newly released documents from Jeffrey Epstein reveal his early interest in Bitcoin and involvement in funding its development. According to The Rage’s analysis of the records, Epstein helped secure funds for the Digital Currency Initiative (DCI), a project that initially financed Bitcoin Core development through MIT.

At the time, Joichi Ito was director of MIT Media Lab and later resigned following revelations of his relationship with Epstein. MIT has disclosed receiving $850,000 in donations from Epstein, $525,000 of which went to the Media Lab. Journalist Ronan Farrow previously reported that a total of $7.5 million flowed to MIT from Epstein and a donation of $5 million from Leon Black, purportedly an anonymous contribution. The emails support Black’s involvement in the donation.

The DCI was established in 2016 to provide sustainable funding for Bitcoin Core developers. In an email from April 25, 2015, Ito wrote to Epstein, “We used the grant funds to move quickly on this and won the round. Thanks.” Ito described MIT’s swift incorporation of three key Bitcoin Core developers as a victory, filling a void left by the closure of the Bitcoin Foundation. Epstein responded, “Gavin is smart,” referring to Gavin Andresen, an early Bitcoin developer who interacted with Satoshi Nakamoto.

Other emails show Epstein discussing Bitcoin with Brock Pierce, a Tether co-founder and early Bitcoin investor. The released correspondence also indicates Epstein’s concerns regarding U.S. tax policies related to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, prompting him to seek assistance from former Trump advisor Steve Bannon.

Epstein reportedly attempted to pressure the Trump administration to accelerate cryptocurrency regulation, arguing that it should be treated like the internet and governed by international agreements. He warned that, otherwise, it risked becoming an illegal Ponzi scheme. Prior to his arrest in 2019, Epstein also opposed Facebook’s Libra stablecoin project, citing concerns about its potential to destabilize the financial system.

Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier and investor with strong ties to international elites. He faced numerous accusations of child exploitation, prostitution, and sex trafficking, leading to his arrest and subsequent death in 2019. His financial activities and social connections continue to be subjects of scrutiny and debate.

Disclaimer: What is written here is not investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments are high-risk investments. Every investment decision is under the individual’s own responsibility.