Early Bitcoin Dev Calls on Adam Back to Resign After Epstein Files Revelations
Luke Dashjr, a veteran Bitcoin developer and early Blockstream contributor, has publicly urged Blockstream CEO Adam Back to resign after newly released U.S. Department of Justice documents linked Jeffrey Epstein to figures in the cryptocurrency industry, including Blockstream’s leadership. Dashjr cited past disputes with Back and accused him of betrayal and exclusion from Blockstream’s founding recognition. He also suggested that recent revelations about Epstein connections explain some of Back’s behavior, and called for Back to apologize to those he may have misled. The documents detail communications between Epstein and Blockstream co-founders, including emails about meetings and visits, although there is no evidence of wrongdoing by any parties. Epstein’s name appears repeatedly alongside references to major crypto companies and figures, such as Tether’s Brock Pierce and Coinbase, showing his financial links and investment activity in the sector. Adam Back responded by clarifying that Blockstream's funding from Epstein came indirectly through a fund managed by MIT Media Lab’s Joi Ito and insisted Blockstream now has no financial ties to Epstein or his estate. The disclosures have reignited scrutiny of Epstein’s ties within crypto circles.
