Blockstream COO Calls for Adam Back Resign Amid Epstein Investigation Revelations

[Para 1: The Lead] Luke Dashjr, a leading Bitcoin developer and early Blockstream contributor, has called on Blockstream co-founder and CEO Adam Back to resign after newly released Department of Justice documents tie convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to multiple crypto industry figures, including Blockstream. [Para 2: Supporting details & Context] Dashjr cited the revelations in light of a prior dispute over recognition as a founding co-founder and allegations of undue influence over Bitcoin’s technical roadmap. The DOJ documents, released in late January 2026, include extensive references to Bitcoin, Tether, Coinbase, and Blockstream, with mentions of Brock Pierce, Austin Hill, and others. Epstein’s 2014 investment in Blockstream via Joi Ito’s fund and his $3 million stake in Coinbase are among the details reviewed. Back has maintained no direct or indirect financial connection to Epstein and referred to the investment as indirect through Ito’s fund. The controversy follows years of public conflict over governance and development direction.