The Epstein-Coinbase Connection: New 2026 DOJ Files Reveal $3M Secret Stake
The latest release of Department of Justice files has sent shockwaves through the crypto industry, uncovering a hidden link between Jeffrey Epstein and the early days of Coinbase.
While Epstein’s ties to high finance were well-documented, these new emails provide the most granular look yet at how he infiltrated the "future of money" during its infancy. $ETH
The Breakdown: How the Deal Happened
The Buy-In: In late 2014, Epstein funneled $3.25 million into Coinbase during its Series C round.
The Ground Floor: At the time, Coinbase was valued at just $400 million. Today, that stake represents a massive piece of the digital asset giant's history. $BNB
The Facilitators: The deal was reportedly brokered by Tether co-founder Brock Pierce and Blockchain Capital, moving through Epstein’s investment entity, IGO. $SOL
What the Emails Show
Perhaps most damaging are the internal communications regarding Coinbase co-founder Fred Ehrsam. The files include emails from December 2014 where Ehrsam was alerted to the investment and allegedly expressed interest in meeting Epstein personally, noting it "would be nice to meet him" if the schedule allowed.
The Bigger Picture
This revelation highlights a systemic failure in the venture capital world. Despite his 2008 conviction, Epstein successfully used "white-glove" intermediaries to bypass traditional vetting, securing a seat at the table of one of the decade's most successful startups.
The Verdict: While Epstein held no voting power or board seat, the files prove that his capital was instrumental in the early scaling of the world’s most prominent crypto exchange—and that leadership was far more aware of the connection than previously disclosed.