Blockstream CEO Adam Back responded to the renewed scrutiny surrounding the organization after the recent release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

In a public statement, Back asserted that Blockstream has had neither ongoing nor past financial connections with the convicted sex offender.

Blockstream Denies Epstein Connections

Back asserted that any interaction with Epstein was brief and solely occurred during the company’s fundraising efforts in 2014. He explained that during an early investment roadshow, Blockstream was introduced to Joi Ito, who was the director of the MIT Media Lab. Ito facilitated the meeting with Epstein, who was then positioned as a limited partner in Ito’s investment fund.

This fund gained a small stake in Blockstream, which was later divested within months due to conflicts of interest and concerns about Epstein’s reputation. Back emphasized that Blockstream has never obtained any capital directly from Epstein and has maintained no formal or informal connections with him or his estate thereafter.

The clarification comes as the DOJ continues to unveil extensive Epstein-related documents as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, with the latest release occurring on January 30. Among the various names mentioned in the documents are multiple high-profile individuals from the technology, finance, and political sectors; however, the DOJ clarified that mere inclusion in these records does not imply wrongdoing.

Cryptocurrency Insights from Epstein Files

The unsealed documents also revealed Epstein’s interest in cryptocurrency, involving discussions concerning Bitcoin’s influence and critiques of blockchain projects, such as Ripple and Stellar. Other notable industry figures, including Kevin Warsh—Trump’s nominee for Federal Reserve chairman—are also cited in these files.

Meanwhile, new records published by the DOJ detailed a 2010 email from publicist Peggy Siegal mentioning Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor, who had contributed $25,000 to a charity event, supposedly gaining access to elite social gatherings. Siegal described Saylor as difficult to engage with and likened him to a “complete creep.”

Commenting on the situation, Swissblock’s Head Macro Economist Henrik Zeberg stated that any individual visiting Epstein’s private island after his 2008 conviction bears moral accountability. Zeberg tweeted:

“I don’t care if you are a Politician or which Political Party you belong to. I don’t care whether you are a CEO of a FAANG company. I don’t care if you are a Billionaire. I don’t care if you are Royal – or a former US President. In fact, if you are any of the above, you have an even greater responsibility to act morally correct.”