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Epstein's surprising links to crypto giants: coinbase and z cash

Epstein's Deep Dive into Crypto | Shocking Connections Revealed

By

Liam Zhao

Feb 3, 2026, 12:46 PM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

2 minutes reading time

A graphic showing Epstein's connections to Coinbase and ZCash with cryptocurrency symbols in the background.

Jeffrey Epstein had significant ties to the cryptocurrency world, investing in major platforms like Coinbase and privacy-focused ZCash. Epstein's files unveil attempts to engage prominent figures in crypto, including a striking lack of contact with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.

Early Connections to the Crypto Industry

Newly uncovered files indicate Epstein invested around $3 million in Coinbase during its early days. He recognized the potential of cryptocurrency and reached out to various influencers in the space.

"The files suggest a network that Epstein sought to establish with the early crypto community," an insider reported.

The Fight for Influence

Epsteinโ€™s ambitions didnโ€™t stop with Coinbase. He also aimed to attract influential personalities in crypto, but sources confirm that his overtures to Buterin failed. Instead, he appears to have captured interest from a figure dubbed the "Russian Vitalik" based on a trail of emails involving a middle agent.

  • "Epstein was laundering a ton of money it makes sense for him to be drawn to crypto."

  • "Vitalik is the true OG incorruptible."

Controversy and Backlash

The news has sparked harsh criticism on various forums. Users expressed their disdain, stating, "No wonder itโ€™s the best use case for crypto helping scammers and sex traffickers." Bitcoin supporters even mocked Epsteinโ€™s ambitions, calling them a typical long-term asset cultivation operation.

"With that dong he doesn't need small dik energy island," one comment read, showcasing the blend of humor and seriousness surrounding the topic.

Key Points to Consider

  • โ–ณ Epstein invested significantly in Coinbase and ZCash early on.

  • โ–ฝ Attempts to engage Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin fell short.

  • โ€ป "A typical long-term asset cultivation operation," another user emphasized.

As revelations surrounding Epstein's investments unfold, itโ€™s clear the intersection of cryptocurrency and illicit activities remains a hot topic. Controversy continues to simmer over the implications of these connections in the broader crypto landscape.

What Lies Ahead in the Crypto Game

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that as more details about Epsteinโ€™s connections to Coinbase and ZCash leak out, regulatory bodies will increase scrutiny on cryptocurrencies. Experts estimate around a 70% likelihood that new regulations will emerge targeting those platforms to ensure that illicit activities donโ€™t take root in the crypto community. This scrutiny could foster a shift towards more transparency, pushing legitimate players to distance themselves from any shadows cast by Epsteinโ€™s affiliations. Ongoing discussions in forums indicate that the crypto community is ready for a crackdown, seeing it as a necessary step for broader acceptance.

Revisiting the Dot-Com Bubble

The situation bears a striking resemblance to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. Just like how some companies during that era hid behind technological advancements to disguise poor business practices, normalizing their connections with dubious investors, today's crypto landscape faces similar challenges. Back then, the rapid rise and eventual crash of many tech companies taught investors a bitter lesson about the importance of due diligence. History might just repeat itself, as the sector needs to confront both its innovative potential and the dark corners that are trying to exploit it.