MIT Confirms $850,000 Epstein Donations Unrelated to Crypto Research

An internal review determined the funds, received by the Media Lab and faculty projects in 2019–2020, had no connection to digital currency programs.

Summary

MIT disclosed receiving approximately $850,000 in anonymous donations from Jeffrey Epstein between 2019 and 2020, allocated to the Media Lab and specific professor-led projects. An investigation found no involvement of the funds in cryptocurrency-related research or the university’s Digital Currency Initiative.

Terms & Concepts
  • Digital Currency Initiative: A program at MIT focused on blockchain technology research and development, including cryptocurrency system improvements.