Epstein Files Reveal 9 Major Figures in the Crypto World! Saylor, Musk, Tether Founder All on the List

The U.S. Department of Justice has publicly released Epstein files, revealing the involvement of nine prominent figures in the cryptocurrency world. Thiel received a $40 million investment and an invitation to visit an island; Elon Musk’s SolarCity supplied power to the island and inquired about parties; Tether founder Brock Pierce communicated multiple times and admitted Epstein was his crypto mentor; Saylor appeared indirectly through third parties. Most clarifications indicate no illegal activity, but only 3.5 million pages have been released, sparking doubts about possible cover-ups and the truth being hidden.

Peter Thiel Received $40 Million Investment and an Island Invitation

Peter Thiel is the co-founder of the global payments giant PayPal and a well-known crypto investor. The Epstein files show extensive email exchanges between Thiel and Epstein, covering global political issues and discussions about Thiel’s lawsuit against Gawker Media. Epstein invested $40 million in Thiel’s venture fund Valar Ventures and even invited him to visit his private island in the Caribbean.

This $40 million investment is enormous. Valar Ventures, founded by Thiel, focuses on fintech and internet companies, with investments including TransferWise (now Wise), Xero, and others. Epstein’s injection of $40 million as an external investor demonstrates high confidence in Thiel’s investment judgment and suggests a relationship that extends beyond social interactions into business cooperation.

Despite frequent communication, Thiel’s spokesperson clarified to The New York Times that he has never visited the island. This clarification is crucial because Epstein’s private island has been accused of being a primary location for his sexual crimes, and anyone who visited could face moral and legal scrutiny. Thiel refused the island invitation, indicating he maintained a strictly business relationship with Epstein, avoiding private social circles.

Thiel wrote in a 2025 article for the Financial Times that during his new term, U.S. President Trump would reveal the truth about Epstein’s files. This stance shows Thiel supports the disclosure of the files, possibly to demonstrate that his relationship with Epstein was limited to business dealings.

Blockstream and MIT Media Lab Investment Ties

In 2014, Epstein participated in a seed round funding of $18 million for blockchain company Blockstream. He invested $50,000 personally through Joi Ito, then director of MIT Media Lab, via Ito’s fund. This route reveals how Epstein leveraged relationships with academic institutions and tech elites to infiltrate emerging tech investments.

Regarding this investment, Blockstream CEO Adam Back responded on X that their relationship was limited to that investment. He stated that a few months later, Ito’s fund divested from Blockstream due to potential conflicts of interest and other considerations, and that Blockstream and Epstein or his estate had no direct or indirect financial ties. This rapid divestment shows that once the team became aware of the funding source issues, they acted swiftly to cut ties.

Austin Hill, co-founder of Blockstream, had previously expressed concerns in an email to Ito and Epstein, warning that supporting both Ripple and Stellar projects could cause conflicts of interest. This email indicates Hill had direct communication with Epstein, who was considered a potential major investor in the crypto industry, warranting persuasion and influence.

Joi Ito publicly apologized in 2019 for accepting Epstein’s funds, admitting a misjudgment. After the scandal broke, Ito resigned as director of MIT Media Lab and returned the donations received from Epstein. He acknowledged underestimating the reputational risks associated with Epstein and apologized to victims.

Elon Musk and Tether Founder’s Close Interactions

Tesla CEO, X platform owner, and Dogecoin enthusiast Elon Musk also has extensive correspondence with Epstein. Letters mention that Musk’s SolarCity provided solar power systems for Epstein’s Caribbean island. This business relationship shows that even without private social contact, Musk’s companies served Epstein.

In late 2012 emails, Musk asked about wild party plans and hoped to be helicoptered there with his then-wife. Subsequent emails revealed Musk, under work pressure, wanted to relax after his children returned home, possibly in Saint Barts or elsewhere. Although there was mention of seeking information about visiting the island, logistical issues prevented the trip. Regarding the files, Musk recently clarified on X that he never attended Epstein’s parties, nor set foot on the island or flew on his private jet.

Tether co-founder Brock Pierce’s involvement is most direct. He communicated multiple times with Epstein on crypto topics. In 2011, they arranged a meeting in New York, with emails referencing other arrangements via phone and Google Meet. In 2015, Pierce sent an email introducing Coinbase investment opportunities and discussed investments in Blockstream.

Most explosive is a 2018 WhatsApp group screenshot where Epstein admits Pierce taught him everything about cryptocurrencies. This indicates their relationship was far beyond typical investor and mentor, more like teacher-student or close advisors. Pierce not only discussed investments but systematically introduced Epstein to crypto technology principles, market dynamics, and investment strategies. Pierce has yet to publicly respond to the contents of this file.

Relationship Levels of 9 Crypto Figures in Epstein Files

Brock Pierce (Tether): Most closely connected, multiple meetings and communications, Epstein admits he was his crypto mentor

Peter Thiel (PayPal): Major investment, $40 million injected but declined island invitation

Elon Musk (Tesla/X): Business dealings (solar systems) and social inquiries, but no trips

Adam Back (Blockstream): Indirect investment relationship, then rapid divestment

Michael Saylor (MicroStrategy): Mentioned only through third parties, no direct communication

Justice Department Only Released Half of the Files, Sparking Bipartisan Criticism

Although the DOJ claims to have released hundreds of thousands of Epstein files to fulfill its duties, subsequent legal developments seem pessimistic. The Associated Press quotes senior officials stating that while the files contain numerous emails and disturbing photos, they may not be sufficient for prosecution, and the chances of bringing charges are very low.

Meanwhile, the handling of Epstein’s files has sparked bipartisan dissatisfaction. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna pointed out that the DOJ confirmed over 6 million pages of related documents, but after review and editing, only about 3.5 million pages were released. He questioned whether the unreleased documents were protected to shield powerful individuals involved, which could severely damage public trust in the system. New Mexico Democratic Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury directly accused this as a blatant cover-up; Republican Congressman Thomas Massie also noted that many documents remain withheld or overly edited.

This rare bipartisan consensus highlights that the transparency of the file release has transcended party lines, becoming a fundamental challenge to government integrity. The remaining 2.5 million pages may contain more sensitive connections and transaction details. The public’s right to know and the need to protect victims’ privacy will be key issues moving forward. If further files reveal more high-profile figures’ deep involvement, it could trigger a new wave of reputation crises for the industry.