The U.S. Department of Justice released millions of pages of records that include names from business, political and social circles. Several well-known people in the cryptocurrency world have since addressed — or been linked to — varying degrees of connection to Jeffrey Epstein in those documents. Inclusion in the files does not imply guilt, and some individuals have publicly commented while others have not.
Peter Thiel
Documents show extensive correspondence between Peter Thiel and Epstein touching on world politics, Thiel’s legal fight with Gawker and planning of meetups. Epstein is recorded as having invested roughly $40 million in Thiel’s Valar Ventures and inviting Thiel to his Caribbean island; Thiel’s representatives say he never visited the island. Thiel also wrote in 2025 that a second Trump term would bring more light to the Epstein files.
Adam Back, Austin Hill and Joi Ito
Epstein is listed among participants in Blockstream’s oversubscribed 2014 seed round. The papers show communications with Blockstream co‑founders Adam Back and Austin Hill and indicate a $50,000 investment routed through a fund linked to then‑MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito. Back has said his ties began and ended with that investment; Ito’s fund later sold its Blockstream stake, citing conflicts and other concerns. In 2015, Hill sought introductions from Epstein’s network, including to figures such as Bill Gates and Blythe Masters.
Elon Musk
The files include extensive messages between Elon Musk and Epstein — ranging from social emails and party references to a discussion about having Musk’s SolarCity electrify Epstein’s island. Musk urged public release of the files and said prosecutions of Epstein’s clients were needed. He has also stated he never attended Epstein parties, never visited the island and never flew on Epstein’s plane. Some 2012 messages reference possible island gatherings that ultimately did not happen.
Bryan Johnson
Billionaire entrepreneur Bryan Johnson appears in the records in a limited way: a short exchange arranging a call between him and Epstein. Johnson has described the brief interaction on social media, while the documents chiefly show scheduling details rather than substantive ties.
Howard Lutnick
Email records indicate that former U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and his family visited Epstein’s island in December 2012 after meeting him while on vacation, and that Lutnick met Epstein for drinks in May 2011. Lutnick has said he severed ties with Epstein decades ago and publicly called him “gross.”
Brock Pierce
Investor and Tether co‑founder Brock Pierce appears in correspondence about cryptocurrency matters. The files include a 2011 New York meeting, later scheduling emails, and 2015 messages in which Pierce discussed investment opportunities in Coinbase and referenced Epstein’s Blockstream investment. A redacted 2018 WhatsApp screenshot in the release shows a photo of Pierce and a comment attributed to Epstein about learning “all about crypto.” Pierce did not immediately respond to requests for comment in reporting.
Michael Saylor
Michael Saylor is referenced indirectly via emails from publicist Peggy Siegal. In 2010 Siegal described Saylor as someone “who just wants to upgrade his social life” and later recounted a dinner where he was unengaging; another associate characterized him as a “typical computer guy” trying to break into social circles. The released records do not show direct communications between Saylor and Epstein.
Scope, concerns and prosecution prospects
The DOJ’s public release spans millions of pages and names, but survivors and advocates criticized how the material was published: several alleged perpetrators’ names are heavily redacted while some survivors’ identities were exposed, prompting reports that survivors have received unwanted calls. Victims’ attorneys raised concerns about privacy and the timing of the release. The DOJ has indicated it does not currently intend to pursue prosecutions based solely on the newly released material.
Note: This piece is published as editorial long‑form content and has been edited to editorial standards. It does not constitute financial, legal or investment advice.