Newly released emails from the U.S. Department of Justice show that Jeffrey Epstein once claimed he had contact with the creators of Bitcoin. The emails date back to 2016 and are part of a large document release tied to Epstein’s activities.
In an October 13, 2016 email, Epstein discussed a plan to build a Sharia-compliant digital currency using Bitcoin technology. He wrote that he had spoken to “some of the founders of bitcoin,” who he said were supportive of the idea.
The claim has not been verified. Bitcoin’s creator, known by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, has never been publicly identified, and no evidence confirms Epstein’s alleged contact.
Earlier DOJ files show Epstein had exposure to Bitcoin-related material as far back as 2013. In April of that year, Boris Nikolic forwarded him an analysis written by Tren Griffin about Bitcoin as a payment system.
The documents also suggest Epstein had links to figures involved in early crypto discussions. A 2014 email from Austin Hill raised concerns about the launch of Stellar and its ties to Ripple.
That email was copied to tech leaders Reid Hoffman and Joichi Ito, highlighting Epstein’s access to high-profile networks in technology and finance.
Epstein’s 2016 proposal described creating two digital currencies, including one designed to meet Islamic finance rules. The currency was intended for use within Muslim communities in the Middle East.
The DOJ release includes roughly three million files related to Epstein’s contacts and business dealings. Researchers are still reviewing the documents for further references to cryptocurrency involvement.
