Synopsis: New Epstein files show links to crypto leaders like Peter Thiel, Adam Back, Elon Musk, and others. They deny close ties or visits to his island.
The US Department of Justice released millions of new files on Saturday that reveal ties between Jeffrey Epstein and several prominent cryptocurrency executives. The documents show varying degrees of connection, from brief mentions to possible investments and business relationships with the disgraced financier. Epstein, a convicted sex offender and trafficker, was found dead in his prison cell in August 2019.
Public speculation has mounted over the files’ contents, prompting calls for prosecution. Individuals named in the documents have started addressing their links to Epstein. Moreover, they seek to distance themselves from him. Some figures have not yet made public statements. Inclusion in the files does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.
Peter Thiel’s Investment Ties
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and a major crypto investor, wrote an op-ed for the Financial Times in 2025. He stated that Trump’s second term would shed light on the Epstein files. Thiel had extensive correspondence with Epstein, discussing world politics and his lawsuit with Gawker. The two also planned meetups on multiple occasions.
Epstein invested $40 million in Thiel’s Valar Ventures. Furthermore, he invited Thiel to visit his notorious Caribbean island. Despite this extended correspondence, Thiel representatives told The New York Times he never visited the island. Thiel invoked the Greek term “apokalypsis,” meaning “to bring into the light” in his op-ed.
Multiple Crypto Founders
In 2014, Epstein participated in Blockstream’s $18-million oversubscribed seed round. Throughout the deal, Epstein corresponded with co-founders Austin Hill and Adam Back. Epstein’s personal investment of $50,000 in Blockstream was made through MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito’s fund.
Back stated that the relationship began and ended with the investment. On X, he wrote that Ito’s fund divested its Blockstream shares a few months later. The divestment occurred due to potential conflict of interest and other concerns. Blockstream has no direct or indirect financial connection with Epstein or his estate, Back confirmed.
In 2015, Hill was seeking introductions with influential individuals within Epstein’s orbit. These included Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and British private equity executive Blythe Masters. The documents show Hill’s attempts to expand business connections through Epstein’s network.
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Elon Musk Denies Party Attendance
After working with the Trump administration to cut government spending, Tesla CEO Elon Musk called for releasing the Epstein files. As recently as Sunday, Musk said “there need to be prosecutions” of Epstein clients. However, Musk had extensive correspondence with Epstein that mentioned having SolarCity electrify Epstein’s Caribbean island with solar power.
Other emails suggest social connections between the two men. At the end of 2012, Musk wrote about wanting to hit the party scene in St Barts. Epstein responded with references to his island and ratios that might make Musk’s ex-wife uncomfortable. Musk replied that “ratio is not a problem for Talulah”.
According to emails, the visit didn’t happen due to logistics. In September 2013, Epstein asked Musk about plans for the UN opening in New York. Musk responded that flying to New York to see UN diplomates do nothing would be unwise. Musk stated on X Monday that he never attended an Epstein party or visited his island.
Additional Crypto Figures Named in Documents
Longevity enthusiast and billionaire Bryan Johnson was mentioned in the Epstein files. Correspondence is limited to setting up a call between Epstein and Johnson. The details were later described in an X post by Johnson himself.
Howard Lutnick, US Secretary of Commerce under Trump, also visited Epstein’s island with his family in December 2012. According to an email with his wife Allison, the family met Epstein while vacationing on their yacht. Lutnick has reportedly made efforts to distance any involvement he had with Epstein. According to CNBC, Lutnick said he cut off ties decades ago and called him “gross.”
Cryptocurrency investor and Tether co-founder Brock Pierce wrote to Epstein on several occasions regarding cryptocurrency. In 2011, the two arranged a meeting in New York. In 2015, Pierce sent Epstein an email describing investment opportunities in Coinbase and discussing Epstein’s Blockstream investment. Further emails between Pierce and Epstein’s accountant suggest Pierce was brokering a Coinbase investment deal.
Strategy chair Michael Saylor appears in the Epstein files through third-party correspondence. The documents show no direct communications between Saylor and Epstein. Instead, they reference him in emails exchanged between Epstein and New York-based publicist Peggy Siegal. She described Saylor as “a nice guy who just wants to upgrade his social life” in March 2010.
Survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes have criticized how the Trump administration released the documents. The names of possible wrongdoers are heavily redacted, while victim identities are not protected. Victims’ attorney Brad Edwards said they are getting constant calls from victims whose names were released. The DOJ signaled it is not prepared to pursue prosecutions based on the newly released material.
Written By Fazal Ul Vahab C H
