Unsealed Epstein Files Reference Michael Saylor and Adam Back

• Michael Saylor mentioned in a 2010 charity email, predating his Bitcoin advocacy by a decade.
• Blockstream’s 2014 seed fundraising involved Epstein-linked intermediaries, later divested.
• Epstein showed curiosity in early crypto, discussing Bitcoin with Thiel, not acting on it.

Newly unsealed records from the U.S. Department of Justice have reignited scrutiny around social and investment networks tied to the late Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, released on January 31, compile emails, travel notes, and correspondence spanning years. Consequently, public attention has focused on names appearing in unrelated contexts. 

Importantly, the DOJ stressed that inclusion alone does not imply wrongdoing. Hence, the records provide context rather than conclusions. Moreover, the files capture moments before major crypto milestones reshaped the technology sector.

Charity Correspondence Mentions Michael Saylor Before the Bitcoin Era

One email predating the crypto boom references Michael Saylor, founder of MicroStrategy. Dated May 8, 2010, the message came from publicist Peggy Siegal and discussed arrangements around the Robin Hood Foundation gala and Cannes-related events. Additionally, it described a $25,000 donation that enabled access to invitations and introductions within elite social settings.

However, the correspondence framed the donation as transactional access rather than influence. Moreover, the description focused on social impressions rather than business dealings. 

Significantly, the email predates Saylor’s later role as a corporate Bitcoin advocate by a decade. Consequently, it contains no references to cryptocurrency or related ventures. Saylor began acquiring Bitcoin for MicroStrategy in 2020, years after the event.

Blockstream Emails Reflect Early Crypto Fundraising Context

Separate records highlight 2014 communications tied to Blockstream during its seed fundraising. An email exchange involved co-founder Austin Hill discussing an oversubscribed round with intermediaries connected to Epstein and academic circles. Additionally, the thread included Adam Back, who later addressed the disclosures publicly.

Back explained that Blockstream met Epstein through a fund associated with Joi Ito. Moreover, the fund later held a minority stake before divesting due to concerns. 

Consequently, Back emphasized the absence of any ongoing relationship. Besides, the documents include travel references that reflect the era’s networking practices rather than operational ties.

Broader Crypto Curiosity Appears in Epstein Records

The files also reveal Epstein’s curiosity about early crypto debates. Additionally, correspondence shows discussions with Peter Thiel about Bitcoin’s role as a value storage system, currency, or architecture. 

Moreover, later notes suggest ideas around region-specific digital currencies. However, these exchanges reflect observation and opinion, not execution. Hence, the records sketch a period of experimentation and social overlap without alleging misconduct.

Related: Jeffrey Epstein’s Archives Reveal Plots Against XRP and XLM in 2014