Newly released Epstein files show Jeffrey Epstein received an email in March 2019 highlighting a “massive controversy” surrounding Coinbase and its acquisition of blockchain analytics firm Neutrino.
The email, sent by New York-based finance consultant Richard Kahn, referenced claims attributed to Kraken’s chief executive and mentioned Ripple’s XRP, reflecting industry backlash at the time rather than any direct involvement.
The message coincided with criticism of Coinbase after it acquired Neutrino, whose founders had previously worked at the surveillance firm Hacking Team.
The deal triggered widespread outrage across crypto, including the #DeleteCoinbase campaign, as privacy advocates accused the exchange of undermining user trust.
Kraken chief executive Jesse Powell publicly criticised the acquisition, saying Neutrino would not have passed Kraken’s internal ethics review.
The controversy unfolded shortly after Coinbase listed XRP, intensifying scrutiny of the exchange’s governance and listing standards.
The files show Epstein received updates on major crypto flashpoints, but investigators found no evidence linking him to Coinbase, Ripple or the 2019 controversy beyond passive awareness.
At the time of reporting, XRP price was $1.61.