Several prominent figures from the cryptocurrency and tech sectors are responding after their names appeared in newly released documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files, published by the US Department of Justice, have triggered renewed public scrutiny, speculation, and calls for accountability.
The documents include millions of pages and reference a wide range of global business leaders, politicians, and investors. Some crypto executives have begun clarifying the nature of their past interactions with Epstein, while others have yet to comment. Authorities stress that inclusion in the files does not imply guilt or criminal wrongdoing.
US Justice Department releases Epstein-related documents
The DOJ released the latest tranche of Epstein-related records over the weekend, framing the move as part of its obligation to public transparency. The files contain emails, schedules, and third-party correspondence that range from casual mentions to documented business interactions.
Epstein, who was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, maintained relationships across finance, politics, academia, and technology. The crypto industry is among the sectors now facing questions over historical ties.
Peter Thiel and past financial dealings
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and a well-known technology and crypto investor, appears extensively in the files through correspondence with Epstein. Emails show discussions on geopolitics, Thiel’s legal battle with Gawker, and potential meetings.
Epstein invested around $40 million in Valar Ventures, a firm linked to Thiel, and at one point invited him to visit his private Caribbean island. Representatives for Thiel told The New York Times that he never visited the island.
In a 2025 Financial Times op-ed, Thiel argued that public mistrust surrounding Epstein’s death and the handling of the case reflected deeper institutional failures, suggesting future disclosures would bring unresolved questions into the open.
Blockstream, Adam Back, and early crypto investment links
In 2014, Epstein participated in an $18 million seed funding round for blockchain infrastructure company Blockstream. The investment involved correspondence with co-founders Adam Back and Austin Hill and was routed through a fund connected to Joi Ito.
Back later stated that Epstein’s indirect $50,000 investment was short-lived and that the fund divested its Blockstream shares within months due to potential conflicts of interest. He emphasized that Blockstream has no direct or indirect financial ties to Epstein or his estate.
Documents also show Hill seeking introductions to other influential figures in Epstein’s network in 2015, including Bill Gates and Blythe Masters.
Elon Musk denies social involvement
Elon Musk appears in the files through a series of emails with Epstein between 2012 and 2013. The correspondence references potential social meetings and a discussion about installing solar power on Epstein’s island through Musk’s company SolarCity.
Despite the tone of some emails, Musk has publicly denied ever visiting Epstein’s island, attending his parties, or traveling on the so-called “Lolita Express” aircraft. Posting on X, Musk said there “need to be prosecutions” related to Epstein’s clients but maintained that he had no involvement beyond limited communication.
Bryan Johnson mentioned in limited correspondence
Longevity entrepreneur and billionaire Bryan Johnson is referenced briefly in the files. The documents show an attempt to arrange a call between Johnson and Epstein, with no further details or evidence of an ongoing relationship.
Howard Lutnick distances himself
Howard Lutnick, who served as US Secretary of Commerce under President Donald Trump, is named in emails indicating a visit to Epstein’s island in December 2012 with his wife and children during a separate vacation.
According to CNBC, Lutnick has since stated that he severed ties with Epstein years ago and described him as “gross,” emphasizing that any contact ended long before Epstein’s later criminal cases.
Brock Pierce and crypto-related discussions
Cryptocurrency investor and Tether co-founder Brock Pierce exchanged multiple emails with Epstein between 2011 and 2015, discussing digital assets and investment opportunities. Correspondence references meetings, calls, and potential investments in companies such as Coinbase and Blockstream.
One heavily redacted WhatsApp screenshot from 2018 includes a photo of Pierce, with a participant identified as Epstein claiming Pierce taught him about cryptocurrency. Pierce did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.
Michael Saylor referenced indirectly
Michael Saylor appears in the files only through third-party emails exchanged between Epstein and publicist Peggy Siegal. The documents do not show direct communication between Saylor and Epstein.
The emails describe Saylor’s social presence and lifestyle in unflattering terms but provide no indication of business dealings or personal engagement with Epstein. Saylor has not publicly commented on the references.
Millions released, prosecutions unlikely
While the DOJ has made millions of Epstein-related documents public, it has also indicated that new prosecutions are unlikely to result from the latest release. Survivors’ attorneys have criticized the handling of the files, arguing that victim identities were insufficiently protected while key names remain heavily redacted.
Attorney Brad Edwards said victims are distressed that their identities were exposed without consent, while Jennifer Freeman described the release process as chaotic and harmful to survivors.
As public attention intensifies, the disclosures are renewing debate over transparency, accountability, and the long shadow Epstein’s network continues to cast across global finance and the cryptocurrency industry.
