Newly released DOJ files reveal Jeffrey Epstein’s bid to insert himself into crypto’s corridors of power — and to sell a blockchain-backed currency to Middle Eastern elites. What the documents show - On January 30, 2026, the Department of Justice published about 3.5 million pages under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Among the trove, “Data Set 9” contains a series of October 2016 emails in which Epstein pitched a financial scheme to Saudi royals and top financiers. - Epstein proposed a fiat currency he called “the Sharia,” a physical note stamped with “In God We Trust” and described as tailored for internal use across the Muslim world. The plan also included a digital version “backed” by blockchain technology. - In the emails, Epstein claimed he was in contact with the “founders of Bitcoin” and said they were enthusiastic about the project. His use of the plural term has reignited long-standing debate over whether Satoshi Nakamoto was a single person or a group — though the messages provide no verifiable proof. How Epstein tried to buy influence in crypto - The documents also trace Epstein’s financial reach into academic and development circles. Between 2013 and 2017 he donated roughly $525,000 to the MIT Media Lab, earmarking funds for its Digital Currency Initiative (DCI). - After the Bitcoin Foundation dissolved in 2014, the DCI became a significant source of funding for several Bitcoin Core contributors. The records show Epstein attempting to position himself as a gatekeeper to conversations and projects at the intersection of crypto and institutional finance. Why Bitcoin remained safe - Despite sensational headlines, the release underlines influence-seeking behavior more than any systemic vulnerability in blockchain technology. Bitcoin is open-source and maintained by a distributed network of developers and reviewers. The structure of the protocol and its public development process make it extremely difficult for any single donor — no matter how wealthy — to secretly change the code or install a backdoor. - In short: Epstein’s outreach illustrates how powerful actors try to attach themselves to emerging tech, but it does not demonstrate control over Bitcoin itself. Context and caveats - Epstein’s statements in the emails are unverified claims. While the records are notable for what they reveal about his networking and proposals, they do not provide evidence that the alleged contacts with Bitcoin’s creators ever existed or that any code or protocol was compromised. Disclaimer This report is informational and not investment advice. Cryptocurrency trading carries high risk; readers should do their own research before making financial decisions. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

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