Epstein’s Early Investment in Coinbase
Emails released by the Department of Justice show that Jeffrey Epstein invested $3 million in Coinbase in 2014. The deal was introduced by Tether co‑founder Brock Pierce and his firm Blockchain Capital, although Epstein ultimately invested independently.
In 2018 he sold roughly half of that stake back to Blockchain Capital.
Bitcoin Regulation and Tax Advice
Correspondence from 2018 reveals Epstein seeking clarification on Bitcoin regulation and taxes. He suggested the Treasury create a voluntary disclosure form for crypto gains, urging a “fuck all the bad guys” approach.
Later that year he likened crypto to the internet, calling for coordinated international agreements.
Brock Pierce’s Frequent Communications
Multiple emails show Brock Pierce, Tether co‑founder, discussing cryptocurrency and personal matters with Epstein after the 2008 conviction. Pierce reportedly told Epstein he “had a great time with the girls,” and Epstein asked him to “find him a present” while traveling abroad.
Files also detail a meeting at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse between Pierce and former Harvard President Larry Summers.
Blockstream Involvement
Epstein was a limited partner in Joi Ito’s fund, which later took a minority stake in Blockstream. Co‑founder Adam Back confirmed Epstein’s investment but stated Blockstream has no current financial ties to him.
Blockstream’s co‑founder Austin Hill and a longtime Bitcoiner were reportedly invited to Epstein’s island in 2014, though it’s unclear if the trip occurred.
Interactions with Other Crypto Leaders
- Peter Thiel: In 2014 Epstein emailed Thiel questioning Bitcoin’s narrative and noting “anti‑BTC pressure” from the U.S. government.
- Michael Saylor: Epstein’s publicist Peggy Siegal called the then‑Strategy Executive Chairman a “creep” in a 2010 email, a decade before Saylor’s firm amassed nearly $50 billion in Bitcoin.
- Jeremy Rubin: Epstein expressed concern about funding crypto projects with “questionable ethics,” describing a “grey area between pump and develop.”
- Vitalik Buterin: Epstein never corresponded directly with the Ethereum co‑founder. An email from Russian investor Masha Drokova suggested a young Russian technologist could surpass Buterin, but no link to Epstein was established.