Epstein Files Reveal Bitcoin Developers Tied to Genetic 'Designer Baby' Ambitions
Recently unsealed Department of Justice files have shed new light on Jeffrey Epstein's wide-ranging network, revealing email exchanges with Bryan Bishop, a prominent Bitcoin core developer (known online as "kanzure") and transhumanist, discussing potential investments in his cryptocurrency derivatives exchange and later, a highly controversial "designer babies" project he was running.
Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose criminal activities overlapped with his interactions in tech and science circles, corresponded with Bishop from 2015-2018. While the discussions touched on ambitious and ethically charged ideas, it's not completely clear if funding was ever received from Epstein.
LedgerX and Bitcoin Derivatives
The relationship began years earlier in November 2015 through mutual contacts in the Bitcoin community, including developer Jeremy Rubin and MIT Media Lab's Joi Ito.
In 2015-2016 emails, Rubin introduced Epstein to LedgerX, a cryptocurrency derivatives platform co-founded by Paul and Juthica Chou, where Bishop had worked as an engineer. LedgerX aimed to become the first regulated Bitcoin options and futures trading platform under CFTC oversight.
Epstein expressed interest but was cautious, requesting detailed business plans and expressing concerns about public association with his name. Discussions involved valuation, regulatory strategy, and potential European expansion.
Ultimately, no clear evidence shows Epstein invested in LedgerX, which later achieved CFTC approval, became a legitimate platform, and was acquired first by Sam Bankman Fried's FTX in 2021, then by Miami International Holdings after FTX's collapse.
The Pivot to Genetic Designer Babies
By mid-2018, the conversation shifted dramatically. Bishop, a self-described transhumanist interested in overcoming human biological limits, pitched Epstein on funding a venture to genetically enhance human offspring, potentially leading to the "first live birth of a human designer baby and possibly a human clone" within five years.
The proposal involved germline editing to pass traits like enhanced muscle growth, disease resistance, or longevity to future generations. Initial plans focused on modifying sperm-producing cells, but later emails described shifting to embryo editing techniques "more similar to cloning." Experiments, including mouse testing with surgeries and microinjections, were reportedly conducted at an overseas lab in Ukraine.
Bishop sought up to $9.5 million over five years to move beyond "self-funded garage biology." Epstein responded positively but insisted on anonymity: "I have no issues with investing. The problem is only if I am seen to lead." Bishop also mentions Austin Hill, saying he is advising him, and "it's an open question whether he will be involved in designer babies in terms of his personal interest."
In one exchange, Epstein quipped about embryo implantation: "I like implant embryo, wait 9 months. Great ending." The plans raised ethical and regulatory concerns, operating outside standard oversight. Bishop discussed potential medical tourism models or partnerships with overseas clinics.
Epstein's interest aligned with his known fascination with transhumanism and eugenics-like ideas, he reportedly wanted to "seed the human race" with his DNA and supported related causes.
No evidence in the released files confirms Epstein actually provided the funding for either project, but the emails leave this unclear at this time.
The designer babies venture appears not to have advanced significantly and may have pivoted or stalled. LedgerX, meanwhile, succeeded independently as a CFTC regulated platform.
Internet Lore
Online, people have occasionally speculated that Bryan Bishop might be linked to the pseudonymous /r/bitcoin and BitcoinTalk forum moderator "Theymos." However, this remains unsubstantiated conjecture with no concrete evidence at this time, although an online photo circulating of them side-by-side shows an uncanny resemblance.
In a 2020 video, a commentator (starting at 14:06 timestamp), goes down the rabbit hole a bit about the two connections but again, nothing concrete comes of it, and it appears to be just speculation. Theymos has widely been regarded as an online anonymous user, but early in the Bitcoin ecosystem he was doxxed as Michael Marquardt, and Bitcoiners ever since have been trying to identify him.
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