Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s tech circle: DoJ Files reveal attempts to access hacker conventions DEF CON and Black Hat

The cyber side of Epstein: leaked files show interest in cryptography and hackers

• Jeffrey Epstein sought ties with cybersecurity experts and events
• He planned to attend DEF CON and Black Hat but likely never did
• Epstein focused on online reputation after his 2008 conviction

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Documents released by the U.S. Justice Department reveal that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein spent years communicating with members of the cybersecurity community and showed interest in attending two of the world’s largest hacker conventions.

Email exchanges with several prominent researchers and business figures suggest his curiosity about cybersecurity and cryptography was extensive. However, it remains unclear whether he ever actually attended DEF CON or Black Hat, the annual Las Vegas gatherings where thousands of hackers and experts discuss emerging vulnerabilities and trends.

“As far as we can tell, he wanted to attend, but never did,” said Jeff Moss, founder of the Black Hat and DEF CON conferences, in a statement to POLITICO, adding that it is unlikely Jeffrey Epstein actually made it to the events. “It looks like there were a lot of plans and I’m just waiting for some sort of evidence that he followed through on them.”

Early contacts: cryptography researchers and tech inventors

Emails show Epstein reached out in 2010, contacting cryptography researcher Ian Goldberg after technologist Pablos Holman “suggested we speak.” The messages indicate Epstein and Holman had been in touch since at least that year.

In a 2013 exchange, Holman also planned to stay at Epstein’s New York apartment and advised him on ways to bury “negative stuff” online. A spokesperson for the University of Waterloo confirmed to POLITICO that Goldberg declined Epstein’s offer to fund his work.

Emails also show Holman, then working on technology projects at Intellectual Ventures,  remained in contact with Epstein for years and at one point discussed strategies for pushing negative material about him further down internet search results.

In August 2013, Epstein planned a brief visit to DEF CON to meet Holman and potentially bring several guests. It remains unclear whether tickets were obtained or whether the visit ever happened.

Introductions through academia and startup networks

By 2014, the network expanded through academic technology circles. Former MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito introduced Italian security researcher Vincenzo Iozzo to Epstein via email.

Ito later apologised publicly for his association after earlier disclosures revealed financial links.

Iozzo, later CEO of SlashID and previously associated with CrowdStrike, corresponded with Epstein about business opportunities and emerging technology markets. According to POLITICO, he also visited Epstein’s New York residence on multiple occasions between 2014 and 2018.

In a statement quoted by POLITICO, Iozzo said his interactions were limited:

“My interactions with Epstein were limited to business opportunities that never materialized, as well as discussion of the markets and emerging technologies.”

He strongly denied working for Epstein in any technical capacity and said authorities never contacted him about the allegations contained in the FBI document.

Attempts to attend major hacker conventions

Emails reviewed by POLITICO show Epstein repeatedly sought access to DEF CON and Black Hat events in Las Vegas. Ahead of the 2016 conference, he mentioned bringing high-profile guests including former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak and businessman Tom Pritzker.

A spokesperson for Barak told POLITICO he neither attended nor was invited. In 2018, Iozzo again offered to arrange conference passes and attempted to organise a meeting with the founder of Black Hat, Jeff Moss.

Moss told POLITICO, “As far as we can tell, he wanted to attend, but never did.”

“It looks like there were a lot of plans and I’m just waiting for some sort of evidence that he followed through on them.”

Moss added he rejected a badge request for Epstein and advised associates to keep their distance, though independent ticket purchases could not be ruled out.

Claims of a “personal hacker”

An FBI file included in the Justice Department release, first reported by TechCrunch and cited by POLITICO, alleged Epstein employed a “personal hacker” who developed offensive cyber tools sold to governments. The name was redacted but matched elements of Iozzo’s career history, including prior vulnerability research in mobile devices and a company acquisition linked to CrowdStrike.

Iozzo rejected the allegation, telling POLITICO the claims were fabricated and defamatory and emphasising no law-enforcement agency ever contacted him. He also said, “I unfortunately knew Epstein for professional reasons… I regret the past association and take full responsibility for not exercising greater judgment at the time.”

Reputation management after conviction

The documents indicate Epstein’s interest in cybersecurity intensified after his 2008 conviction. He appeared particularly focused on online reputation, including advice on suppressing references to his criminal record in search results.

Years later, he was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges. The case was formally dismissed after his death in jail while awaiting trial.