News · 5 February 2026
Epstein funded Bitcoin developers 2002-2017, sought early influence.
Photo by André François McKenzie on Unsplash
Newly released Epstein files show that convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein sought influence in Bitcoin’s early evolution by funding and corresponding with key developers and institutions. Between 2002 and 2017, he donated to MIT’s Media Lab, indirectly supporting the Digital Currency Initiative and some Bitcoin Core contributors. Emails reveal his deep interest in steering protocol work and networking with influential figures. While the documents note his engagement, inclusion of names does not imply wrongdoing, merely historical connections during Bitcoin’s formative years.
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