🚨 JUST IN: Bitcoin Core Dev Calls for Blockstream CEO Resignation
Bitcoin Core developer Luke Dashjr has urged Blockstream co-founder & CEO Adam Back to step down following newly unsealed U.S. DOJ documents referencing Jeffrey Epstein’s historical links to parts of the crypto industry.
🔹 Adam Back confirmed Epstein was an indirect investor in Blockstream via a fund linked to former MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito during Blockstream’s 2014 seed round
🔹 Back stated the stake was later divested and that Blockstream has no current direct or indirect ties to Epstein or his estate
🔹 Emails mentioning a possible visit by Blockstream founders to Epstein’s private island remain unaddressed
🗣️ Dashjr’s stance:
He argues the disclosures raise serious concerns over leadership, influence, and trust within the Bitcoin ecosystem, calling for resignation and an apology to developers and investors.
⚠️ Context matters:
The newly released files reference multiple crypto firms, including Coinbase and Blockstream, but do not allege criminal wrongdoing by those named. Still, the revelations are reigniting scrutiny of early crypto funding sources and governance ethics.
👀 Why this matters:
Blockstream plays a major role in Bitcoin infrastructure. Leadership controversies can impact developer trust, governance debates, and ecosystem narratives, especially amid longstanding ideological divides within Bitcoin.