Luke Dashjr, a veteran Bitcoin developer and one of the early contributors to Blockstream, has publicly urged Adam Back, the co-founder and CEO of Blockstream, to step down following the release of documents linking convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to various prominent figures within the cryptocurrency world.
In a tweet posted on Tuesday, Dashjr expressed that these revelations about Adam Back’s connections to Epstein Island shed new light on Back’s recent antagonism toward him and his dismissive attitude regarding spam issues. However, Dashjr admitted he had no idea how extensive and deep-rooted this corruption truly was.
Dashjr also referenced an earlier conflict where he claimed that Back had promised him recognition as a Blockstream co-founder with equal standing among other founders—a promise that was later broken.
I was among the initial contributors at Blockstream. Adam assured me I would be acknowledged as a co-founder and treated equally alongside others who helped start the company. He broke this promise, betrayed my trust, and excluded me from recognition.
I never participated in any fundraising efforts for Blockstream nor had any knowledge or involvement…
— Luke Dashjr (@LukeDashjr) February 3, 2026
Dashjr insisted that Adam Back should consider resigning from all leadership roles within the organization and issue an apology to developers, investors, and members of the Bitcoin community whom he has misled over time.
This statement came shortly after new documents were released by the U.S. Department of Justice last Friday related to Jeffrey Epstein. These millions of pages include numerous mentions of cryptocurrency topics such as Bitcoin itself along with key industry personalities. Notably mentioned are Tether co-founder Brock Pierce (1,801 times), Bitcoin (1,522 times), Coinbase (266 times), and Adam Back (19 times).
The Ongoing Feud Between Dashjr & Back
The newly surfaced information has reignited longstanding disputes between Luke Dashjr and Adam Back—who have clashed publicly for years over governance issues surrounding Bitcoin’s development path including scaling debates. While Dashjr accuses Back and his company Blockstream of wielding disproportionate influence over technical decisions in Bitcoin’s roadmap—a claim adamantly denied by Back—the fresh files reveal repeated interactions between Epstein associates and individuals linked with Blockstream during its formative years.
For instance: In July 2014 there were discussions about Epstein traveling to Montreal where Austin Hill—Blockstream’s co-founder—later noted how their team enjoyed entertainment at a comedy show hosted there. Additionally later in 2014 emails show Vincenzo Iozzo—a venture capitalist from Italy—inquired about Adam Back with Epstein responding simply “like him.”
The released correspondence sparked renewed scrutiny into ties connecting Jeffrey Epstein with crypto leaders including communications between Austin Hill from Blockstream regarding potential meetings—and even invitations involving visits to Little Saint James island owned privately by Epstein in the Caribbean.
An email sent separately by Epstein addressed early bitcoin developer Amir Taaki claiming he recently hosted “Andy Back” on his island though it remains uncertain whether this refers mistakenly or intentionally either directly or indirectly referencing Adam Back—or someone else entirely.
No concrete evidence implying illegal activity involving those named emerges explicitly from these emails themselves however they raise significant questions demanding further investigation into associations between crypto pioneers & controversial figures like Jeffrey Epstein post-conviction for child sexual offenses.
No official response has been provided yet by either Adam Back or his company regarding inquiries made concerning these revelations documented within newly publicized files connected with Jeffrey Epstein’s case history thus far reported by Decrypt.
The private island known as Little Saint James located within U.S Virgin Islands territory became infamous due largely because prosecutors described it extensively as central hub facilitating trafficking & abuse against minors under criminal investigations which subsequently led survivors’ testimonies supporting multiple lawsuits filed against parties involved historically tied back here directly related specifically towards exploitation allegations associated clearly throughout court proceedings worldwide since then emerged publicly too broadly recognized symbolically now representing abuses committed under Epsteins’ network control across many victims globally affected deeply forever changed lives impacted tragically beyond words imaginable scope endured long term consequences endured still ongoing today unfortunately persistently relevant highlighting critical need transparency accountability urgently demanded everywhere possible continually strengthened safeguards implemented preventing recurrence ever again anywhere else similarly vulnerable environments created unchecked power abused repeatedly allowed previously unchecked decades long enabling culture perpetuated systematically ignored overlooked insufficiently challenged effectively tolerated until finally exposed openly revealed truth undeniable indisputable fact overwhelming evidence presented thoroughly documented exhaustively investigated comprehensively reviewed officially recorded legally pursued relentlessly prosecuted justice served hopefully soon fully realized ultimately restored faith integrity whole industry collectively responsible forward looking resolutely determined change positively impacting future generations henceforth without compromise whatsoever whatsoever absolutely none permitted tolerated allowed continued existence otherwise unacceptable totally intolerable under any circumstances whatsoever period end discussion final word conclusion full stop definitive closure irrevocable 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