Newly released emails from the US Department of Justice suggest that Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, gained early exposure to the cryptocurrency sector through venture investments, including a reported multimillion-dollar stake in Coinbase during its early growth phase.
Epstein’s Reported Coinbase Investment in 2014
According to the disclosed documents, an entity linked to Epstein may have invested approximately $3.25 million into Coinbase in 2014. The emails indicate the purchase of 195,910 Series C shares at a time when the crypto exchange was valued at roughly $400 million. The investment was reportedly structured through intermediary entities, and the records do not show that Coinbase executives were aware of Epstein’s involvement or the ultimate beneficial owner.
Correspondence cited in the release shows discussions about renaming the investing entity and providing wire instructions, suggesting deliberate efforts to distance Epstein’s name from the transaction.
Sale of Coinbase Stake in 2018
The emails further indicate that in 2018, Epstein sold roughly half of his Coinbase position. The proposed transaction valued Coinbase at around $2 billion, with Epstein receiving approximately $15 million for a stake originally acquired for about $3 million. Internal messages suggest the payment was completed, leaving Epstein with both retained equity and significant cash proceeds.
The DOJ documents also point to Epstein-linked entities participating in early funding rounds of other blockchain-focused companies, highlighting his indirect involvement in the formative years of the crypto venture ecosystem.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.