The history of Bitcoin is marked by mysteries and unexpected revelations. A recent publication of a Jeffrey Epstein email from 2016 has rekindled discussions about the origins of the first cryptocurrency and its potential for integration into ethical financial systems. This email, addressed to Saudi contacts, suggests conversations with the “founders of Bitcoin” regarding the creation of a Sharia-compliant digital currency. A thorough analysis is necessary to understand the implications of this correspondence for the vision of the Crypto P2P Club.
Epstein's proposal: Two currencies for the Middle East
In his October 13, 2016, email, Jeffrey Epstein presented two ideas he described as “radical” to his Saudi interlocutors, Raafat Alsabbagh and Aziza Alahmadi [1]. The first concerned the creation of a physical fiat currency, named “the Sharia,” intended for internal use in the Middle East and bearing the inscription “In God We Trust.” The second proposal, more intriguing for our ecosystem, was the establishment of a Sharia-compliant digital currency, based on Bitcoin technology.
What makes this revelation particularly noteworthy is Epstein's assertion: “I’ve spoken to some of the founders of bitcoin who are very excited” [1]. This sentence, if true, raises questions about the identity of Bitcoin's founders and their openness to specific applications of their creation.
Bitcoin and ethical finance: An early convergence
Epstein's email highlights an early interest in applying Bitcoin to the principles of ethical finance, particularly Islamic finance. In 2016, when the cryptocurrency market was still nascent, the idea of a digital currency respecting Sharia principles (prohibition of interest/riba, based on real assets, investment in permissible activities) was already under discussion. This foreshadows the emergence of projects like the Sahal Wallet, which aim to offer decentralized and ethical financial solutions to a global community.
For the Crypto P2P Club, this historical anecdote reinforces our conviction that financial sovereignty comes through the adoption of transparent tools that comply with ethical values. The ability of Bitcoin to be a basis for diversified financial systems, including those based on strict ethical principles, is proof of its flexibility and universal potential.
The question of the “founders” and decentralization
Epstein's use of the plural (“founders”) fuels the theory that Satoshi Nakamoto could be a group of individuals rather than a single person. This plurality, if confirmed, underscores the intrinsically decentralized nature of the Bitcoin project from its inception. It reinforces the idea that Bitcoin belongs to no one and everyone at the same time, which is fundamental to its resilience and adoption as a sovereign currency.
It is important to note that Epstein's claims about his direct contacts with Bitcoin's founders have never been independently verified. They could have been an attempt on his part to impress his Saudi contacts. However, the very existence of this discussion in 2016 is a testament to the growing interest in cryptocurrencies in various circles, long before their mass adoption.
References
[1] Jeffrey Epstein claims he talked to 'some of the founder of Bitcoin' - Cryptonews.net [https://cryptonews.net/news/bitcoin/32367592/]
[2] Epstein Files Show Bitcoin Links, Ripple Rivalries - Bitbo [https://bitbo.io/news/epstein-files-bitcoin-links/]
[3] The Bitcoin Epstein Files: Is This Why Crypto Is Really Crashing? - Yahoo Finance [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bitcoin-epstein-files-why-crypto-092631819.html]