Every Bitcoin and Crypto Revelation in the Epstein Files

The newly unsealed Epstein files, released on January 30, shed light on his surprising proximity to cryptocurrency founders, investors, and projects during the industry’s formative years. 

The documents show a mix of investment discussions, philosophical commentary, and contact with prominent figures in Bitcoin’s rise.

A “Sharia Coin” For Saudi Arabia and Bitcoin Ideation

In 2016, Epstein pitched a “radical” plan to a Saudi royal advisor involving the creation of two digital currencies, including a “sharia” crypto designed for Muslim countries.

 In the email, he wrote, “I have spoken to some of the founders of Bitcoin who are very excited.”

Austin Hill, co-founder of Blockstream, Discusses Plans for a Sharia Coin with Epstein

This was not an isolated comment. 

In 2013, he received a forwarded briefing analyzing Bitcoin’s viability as a payment system. And in a 2011 message, Epstein called Bitcoin “brilliant,” though he warned of “serious downsides.”

These communications suggest he was closely tracking crypto’s potential well before it entered the mainstream.

He Debated Bitcoin’s Identity with Peter Thiel

In a July 2014 exchange with billionaire investor Peter Thiel, Epstein engaged in a nuanced discussion about Bitcoin’s definition. He wrote:

“There is little agreement on what Bitcoin is… store of value, currency, property… like man presenting as woman, smells like property presenting as currency.”

Thiel’s earlier message in the chain asked, “Do you think this is the first step in upping the anti-BTC pressure?”

The exchange shows Epstein was fluent in the ideological arguments around Bitcoin’s nature, even drawing analogies to gender identity debates.

Epstein and Peter Theil having an email exchange about Bitcoin in 2014. pic.twitter.com/xm4hEm8yf9

— Brutal Truth Bombs (@FORTRESSMAXXING) January 31, 2026 But He Rejected Bitcoin as an Investment in 2017

In a brief email dated August 31, 2017, someone asked Epstein: “Is it worth it buying a bitcoin?”

Epstein’s one-word reply: “No.”

Despite his curiosity in prior years, this suggests he remained skeptical of Bitcoin’s value as an investment at its price peak that year.

In 2011, Epstein Was Skeptical of Bitcoin
Epstein Was in on Blockstream’s Early Funding Round

A 2014 thread reveals Epstein’s involvement in the seed funding of Blockstream, one of Bitcoin’s most important infrastructure firms. 

Co-founder Austin Hill emailed Epstein, Joi Ito (MIT Media Lab), and Dr. Adam Back (a Bitcoin pioneer) to finalize allocations in the oversubscribed $18 million round.

Hill wrote, “We are 10x oversubscribed… bump your allocation from $50k to $500k.” Epstein had earlier confirmed he would invest through Ito’s fund.

Epstein Involved in Blockstream’s Seed Round

This is direct evidence that Epstein had money in a major Bitcoin company. 

Notably, both Hill and Back were also included in later travel coordination emails to St. Thomas—Epstein’s island hub.

Adam Back and Austin Hill Mentioned in Epstein Island’s Travel Plans He Received Early Bitcoin Project Gossip

In a separate 2014 email, Hill warned Epstein, Ito, and Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn co-founder) about rising tensions in the crypto industry. He criticized Ripple’s Jed McCaleb for launching Stellar, saying: 

“Ripple and Jed’s new Stellar project is bad for the ecosystem… investors backing both are harming our company.”

This shows Epstein wasn’t just investing—he was in the loop on internal rifts in early blockchain circles.

Michael Saylor Named in Epstein Gala Email

A 2010 message from society publicist Peggy Siegal mentions Michael Saylor, now known as Bitcoin’s most vocal corporate bull.

She wrote: “Michael Saylor giving $25,000… Saylor is a complete creep. He has no personality. Sort of like a zombie on a drug.”

The context was a high-profile gala, with no reference to Bitcoin. But it confirms Saylor was socially linked to Epstein long before crypto became his public identity.

The Epstein files include an email describing Michael Saylor as “a complete creep,” comparing him to a drug-addicted zombie with no social awareness. https://t.co/CRR38W5Q5Q pic.twitter.com/Jq8gTCGXHn

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 31, 2026 Kevin Warsh Listed in Epstein’s 2010 Guest List

One of the more politically charged revelations: Trump’s newly nominated Fed Chair Kevin Warsh also appears in Epstein’s records. 

His name shows up in a 2010 invite list for a New Year’s party in St. Barts that included Roman Abramovich and Martha Stewart.

Just a day after being nominated as Fed chair, Kevin Warsh’s name appears in the newly released Epstein files