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False Claims Link Jeffrey Epstein to Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto
A fabricated email circulating on social media in February 2026 falsely claims to establish a connection between the late Jeffrey Epstein and the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto. The alleged screenshot, which purports to be from the recently released Epstein files, has been debunked after thorough investigation.
The U.S. Department of Justice began releasing its complete collection of documents related to Epstein in early 2026, following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. As these files became available for public scrutiny, numerous rumors about their contents began spreading across social media platforms.
Among these claims was an alleged email supposedly sent by Epstein to his associate Ghislaine Maxwell on October 31, 2008. The message, with the subject line “RE: Project ‘Bitcoin’ Funding & Whitepaper,” contained text suggesting Epstein was using the “Satoshi” pseudonym and referred to Bitcoin as “our little digital gold mine.”
Comprehensive searches of the official DOJ repository of Epstein files yielded no evidence of this email. While searches for terms like “Satoshi” and “Nakamoto” did return several dozen results, these were from newsletters, legitimate emails discussing cryptocurrencies, investment presentations, and academic articles. None contained the specific phrases or content shown in the circulated screenshot.
Forensic analysis of the image itself revealed several inconsistencies that point to digital manipulation. Most notably, the email header contained duplicate “To:” lines, with one incorrectly showing Epstein’s own address and another displaying the subject line – a formatting error not seen in authentic emails from the released documents.
Further undermining the claim, the purported email shows Maxwell’s address as gmaxwell@terramar.org, associated with the TerraMar Project. However, Maxwell didn’t establish this ocean conservation organization until 2012, approximately four years after the alleged email was supposedly sent.
The greeting “Hi Bine,” presumably a nickname for Maxwell, appears nowhere else in the thousands of communications reviewed from the Epstein files, making it highly improbable that Epstein would use this term of endearment exactly once in his correspondence with her.
The Bitcoin connection has particular resonance given the cryptocurrency’s massive growth since its 2009 launch and the persistent mystery surrounding the identity of its creator. Satoshi Nakamoto, widely believed to be a pseudonym, published the Bitcoin whitepaper in October 2008 – the same month as the fabricated email. The real Nakamoto disappeared from public involvement with Bitcoin in 2011, having never revealed their true identity.
This false claim joins numerous other conspiracy theories that have emerged around Epstein since his 2019 death in federal custody while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The Justice Department’s release of the Epstein files has been accompanied by significant public interest, along with a wave of misinformation and digitally altered content.
Fact-checkers have been working diligently to separate authentic documents from fabrications as the files continue to be analyzed. At the time of publication, the original source of this falsified email remains unknown.
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18 Comments
This is a timely and well-researched fact check. Separating fact from fiction is essential when it comes to complex cases like the Epstein investigation. Kudos to the Disinformation Commission for their diligence in examining the evidence.
Absolutely. With so much misinformation circulating online, it’s vital that reliable sources provide authoritative debunkings of false claims. This helps maintain public trust and focus on the actual facts.
Good to see the Department of Justice taking steps to make the Epstein files publicly available. Transparency is crucial in high-profile cases involving powerful individuals. This debunking helps counter the spread of unfounded conspiracy theories.
Agreed, the release of these files is an important step towards accountability. Careful analysis of the evidence, rather than speculation, is the best way to uncover the truth.
Interesting debunking of the Epstein-Nakamoto connection claims. It’s good to see the facts laid out clearly, as these types of false narratives can spread quickly online. Maintaining transparency around the Epstein files is important for understanding the full scope of his activities and associations.
Agreed, the lack of any credible evidence in the official DOJ files is telling. It’s important not to jump to conclusions without solid proof, especially when it comes to high-profile individuals like Epstein.
The lack of any evidence for this alleged email in the official DOJ files is a clear indication that the claim is fabricated. It’s important to stay skeptical of sensational narratives and focus on the facts, as this debunking does. Transparency and rigorous investigation are key.
Agreed. Spreading unsubstantiated rumors can undermine the pursuit of truth and justice. This fact check is a valuable contribution to the public discourse, helping to counter the spread of misinformation.
The lack of any credible evidence linking Epstein to Nakamoto in the DOJ files is a clear indication that the supposed email is fabricated. It’s important to stay skeptical of sensational claims and rely on verified information from official channels.
Agreed. Thorough investigation and transparency are crucial in high-profile cases like this. Spreading unsubstantiated rumors can undermine the pursuit of truth and justice.
This debunking is a good example of the importance of fact-checking. While the Epstein case has generated a lot of speculation, it’s critical to separate verifiable information from unfounded claims. Kudos to the Disinformation Commission for their diligence.
Absolutely. Maintaining public trust requires a commitment to accuracy and transparency, even when it comes to controversial figures and cases. This fact check helps counter the spread of misinformation.
This is an important fact check that helps counter the spread of misinformation. While the Epstein case has generated a lot of speculation, it’s crucial to rely on verified information from official sources. Kudos to the Disinformation Commission for their diligence.
Absolutely. Maintaining public trust requires a commitment to accuracy, even when it comes to high-profile and controversial figures. This debunking helps provide a clear and authoritative response to the unfounded claims.
It’s reassuring to see the DOJ taking steps to release the Epstein files and allow for public scrutiny. Unfounded claims about his connections to Bitcoin’s creator only serve to distract from the real issues. This debunking helps restore focus on the facts.
Agreed. Transparency and rigorous investigation are the best ways to uncover the truth, rather than speculating based on fabricated evidence. This fact check is a valuable contribution to the public discourse.
This is a helpful fact check on a sensational claim. While the Epstein case understandably raises a lot of speculation, it’s crucial to rely on verified information from official sources. Debunking misinformation is a necessary part of maintaining public trust.
Exactly, we should be wary of unsubstantiated rumors, no matter how intriguing they may seem. Proper investigation and transparency are key to getting the full picture on complex cases like this.