Vincenzo Iozzo
Iozzo is an offensive cybersecurity researcher and entrepreneur whose capabilities in surveillance tooling, zero-day development, and blockchain security were brokered by Epstein to foreign contacts and financial clients over a four-and-a-half-year relationship, illustrating how Epstein positioned specialized technical talent across intelligence, technology, and finance networks.
Vincenzo Iozzo (born August 1988, Calabria, Italy) is an Italian cybersecurity researcher, entrepreneur, and offensive security specialist whose sustained relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanned at least four and a half years, from May 2014 through December 2018. Introduced to Epstein by Joi Ito, then director of the MIT Media Lab, who described Iozzo as "one of the best network security guys I know" 1, Iozzo served three distinct functions: cybersecurity and surveillance advisor, providing iOS vulnerability intelligence and building the IperLane GPS people-tracking tool; technology broker, with Epstein forwarding Iozzo's Mycelium wallet security analysis to a Russian contact and vouching that Iozzo was "very well respected with both black and white hat hackers" 2; and deal-flow intermediary, channeling Blocktree Capital investment opportunities in Grab ($9.25 billion Series H), Radius Intelligence ($10 million pre-money), and Bitmain to Epstein in summer 2018. An FBI Confidential Human Source, in a SECRET//NOFORN FD-1023 report 3, identified Iozzo as "Epstein's personal hacker," alleging he developed zero-day exploits for iOS, BlackBerry, and Firefox, and sold tools to UK GCHQ, Saudi Arabia, a Central African government, and Hezbollah. The CHS further claimed Iperlane had "three billionaire backers" including Epstein.
The email corpus documents 77 unique EFTA records confirming Iozzo as the persistent initiator of contact. He communicated directly with Epstein at [email protected] and coordinated scheduling through Lesley Groff, Epstein's executive assistant, attempting to arrange NYC meetings every four to six weeks throughout 2017 and 2018. Iozzo visited Epstein at Zorro Ranch, New Mexico, in August 2014 4, pitched IperLane investment with an offer to visit Epstein's island in November 2014 5, and was present at 9 East 71st Street on June 30, 2017 6, the same day Ehud Barak arrived and Joi Ito held a separate afternoon meeting — placing cyber, defense-intelligence, and academic-technology contacts at Epstein's Manhattan residence within 24 hours 7. Iozzo held an MIT Media Lab Research Affiliate position from 2016 to 2020, overlapping with Ito's channeling of Epstein donations to MIT.
Following CrowdStrike's acquisition of Iperlane in late 2017, Iozzo served as Senior Director at CrowdStrike until 2021. He then founded IRD Holdings Corp. (CIK 0001916133, Delaware), which has raised approximately $10.19 million across three SEC Form D offerings between 2022 and 2025, and which operates the identity management startup SlashID. Comprehensive searches across U.S. court records, OFAC sanctions lists, FARA registrations, and OpenSanctions return zero results for Iozzo — an absence that may be significant given the CHS allegations of zero-day sales to a designated terrorist organization. In February 2026, following the release of the Epstein files, Iozzo told TechCrunch he was "never Epstein's hacker," called the FBI informant claims "fabricated and false and defamatory," and characterized his interactions as limited to business opportunities that never materialized. Black Hat and Code Blue subsequently removed him from their review boards.
The Ito-Epstein Introduction and MIT Nexus
Iozzo's entry into Epstein's orbit was mediated by Joi Ito, then director of the MIT Media Lab. On May 6, 2014, Ito emailed Epstein introducing Iozzo as "one of the best network security guys I know," adding that he was "working with him on a network security company idea" that "might be interesting for you as well" 1. Iozzo met Epstein twelve days later, on May 18, 2014. The "network security company idea" Ito referenced materialized as Iperlane, founded in 2015 with Kelly Shortridge as COO. The introduction coincided with Ito's investing Epstein money in Blockstream, the Bitcoin infrastructure company, through a $500,000 allocation documented in the same period. Ito would resign from MIT in August 2019 when the New Yorker exposed his systematic solicitation of Epstein donations for the Media Lab.
Iozzo subsequently held an MIT Media Lab Research Affiliate position from 2016 through 2020, deepening the institutional triangle. While affiliated with MIT, Iozzo's company Iperlane was allegedly funded by Epstein as one of "three billionaire backers" who "provided the company's seed money," according to the FBI CHS 3. Ito thus served a dual function: introducing technical talent to Epstein for potential investment and providing institutional cover through MIT affiliation. The EpsteinWeb tracker additionally connects Iozzo to Andrew McAfee, the MIT researcher, through the Epstein email network. A June 30, 2017 schedule 7 illustrates the overlap: Iozzo at 9 East 71st Street at 10:00am, Ito at 3:30pm "at his house," and Ehud Barak having arrived early morning the previous day. Iozzo's meeting was confirmed through Bebe Avdiu, legal assistant at Darren K. Indyke PLLC 6. The schedule placed cybersecurity, defense-intelligence, and academic technology contacts at Epstein's townhouse on the same day.
Cybersecurity Advisory and Surveillance Tools
Iozzo's cybersecurity advisory role for Epstein is documented through primary-source emails that establish capabilities beyond what a casual acquaintance would share. On July 19, 2014, Iozzo forwarded researcher Jonathan Zdziarski's iOS backdoors presentation to both Epstein and Ito, warning: "it's way easier (and cheaper) to extract SMS, address books, apps data, etc etc from an iPhone/iPad/etc etc than most people realize." He advised both: "You both use iPhone and iPads, might be a good idea to either install the application this guy wrote or change the usage pattern of your devices." Epstein responded "nice" 8. The advice — operational security guidance from a vulnerability researcher to a surveillance target — is consistent with what the FBI CHS would later characterize as an "Epstein's personal hacker" relationship.
The IperLane product itself combined cybersecurity with surveillance capability. On February 17, 2015, Iozzo told Epstein: "I should have the proof of concept code that analyzes GPS data and traces people that way ready by the end of the week" 9. By September 2015, Iozzo was asking Epstein to broker access to Apollo Global Management: "speaking of Leon Black, it'd be awesome if at some point in the next few months we could do a test run with Apollo once we also have the iOS version ready. I know they currently use one of our competitors" 10. The request positions Epstein as intermediary between a surveillance tool developer and his single largest financial client. Apollo's existing use of a competing product suggests institutional demand for mobile device management or endpoint security tools, though the GPS people-tracking capability described in the pitch goes beyond standard enterprise security.
The FBI CHS report 3 alleges a far broader scope of activity. According to the CHS, Iozzo developed zero-day exploits for iOS, BlackBerry, and Firefox, selling tools to UK GCHQ (including training), Saudi Arabia (establishing their cyber surveillance program), a Central African government, and Hezbollah ("for political reasons"). The CHS claimed Iozzo made "six figures from the sale of his zero-days" and used "a theater company in California" to launder the income. The CHS described Iozzo's hacker network as including "old school European hackers," one of whom "received a trunk of cash from Hezbollah in Italy" and "drove the money to Switzerland and deposited it." The CHS also claimed Iozzo held a Vatican City passport, and possibly Iranian and Israeli passports. Iozzo has categorically denied these allegations, calling them "fabricated and false and defamatory." No criminal charges, export control violations, or sanctions proceedings have been filed against Iozzo in any U.S. jurisdiction. If the Hezbollah sales allegation were accurate, it would constitute material support for terrorism under 18 USC 2339B and an OFAC sanctions violation — making the complete absence of prosecution either exculpatory or suggestive of government authorization.
Blockchain Finance and Deal Flow
Much of the Iozzo-Epstein correspondence concerned the intersection of technology and financial instruments. As early as June 25, 2014, Iozzo discussed "decentralized prediction markets and order books (w/ bitcoin)" with Epstein, who critiqued the concept by noting the IRS had ruled Bitcoin was not a currency and flagging regulatory risks 11. By September 2014, Iozzo proposed applying blockchain-like structures to the repo market 12. In April 2016, he pivoted to credit default swaps as hedging alternatives 13. Across these exchanges, Iozzo brought tech-finance ideas to Epstein for evaluation, and Epstein provided financial structuring critique — a pattern suggesting each party supplied expertise the other lacked.
The cybersecurity derivatives discussion at Zorro Ranch in August 2014 warrants close examination. In an email titled "A note on shorting," Iozzo raised the problem of shorting cyber insurance bonds: "even if you want to short the bond through a derivative, who's going to take the other side of the bet? Everyone is/should be aware of the moral hazard there" 14. He referenced Epstein's earlier "thesis on the fact that this can't work because it's hard for investors to understand." A cybersecurity expert with offensive capabilities discussing financial instruments that profit from cyber risk raises a structural conflict-of-interest question — one the email record does not show either party addressing.
By summer 2018, the relationship had evolved from intellectual exchange to active deal intermediation. Iozzo channeled three investment opportunities from Ben Forman at Blocktree Capital (later renamed ParaFi Capital, DE #6727483) to Epstein: Grab Series H preferred shares at $9.25 billion pre-money via Silvershore Internet Opportunity IV LP 15; Radius Intelligence Series 1-A at $10 million pre-money / $22 million post-money through Blocktree, with Darian Shirazi, the Radius CEO and early Facebook employee, co-investing 16; and Bitmain crypto mining shares via iAngels Technologies LP plus Blocktree 17. On August 15, 2018, Forman organized a conference call with the subject line "Radius Discussion w/ Jefferey and Vincenzo," including Shirazi and Aaron Wong 18. Iozzo's candid assessment of the Radius deal to Epstein — "my gut feeling is that this is a good value deal given the economics but the company itself is not really revolutionary/long term play" — suggests a fiduciary posture toward Epstein's capital, not mere solicitation. SEC EDGAR confirms Blocktree Private Opportunities LLC - Series A (CIK 1747162) raised $2.735 million by April 2019.
Russian Brokerage and Foreign Contacts
On February 3, 2016, Epstein forwarded Iozzo's technical security analysis of the Mycelium cryptocurrency wallet to a Russian contact whose Cyrillic name renders as "Cepreil Gemskon" in OCR. Epstein vouched for Iozzo: "He is very well respected with both black and white hat hackers," and offered: "I will do anything that is helpful to you." The Russian responded: "is it possible to meet with him?" and proposed meeting "in US" with "me and my friend who is involved" 2. Iozzo's analysis covered blockchain security, mesh networking vulnerabilities, and custodial risks of decentralized systems. The exchange shows Epstein forwarding Iozzo's technical work to a foreign contact with an offer to facilitate a meeting — a pattern consistent with the intermediary function the FBI CHS described.
The brokerage operated in the other direction as well. In January 2018, shortly after CrowdStrike acquired Iperlane, Iozzo wrote to Epstein: "sold my company to a company crowdstrike and now I'm there for a bit." In the same email, he asked Epstein for contacts who understood insurance-linked securities in cyber, referencing meetings with SCOR (a French reinsurer) and noting that Credit Suisse and BNY Mellon were testing ILS instruments for cyber risk 19. This request inverted the typical flow: Iozzo sought Epstein's financial network access rather than providing technical expertise. The November 2014 IperLane pitch further illustrates the dynamic. Iozzo told Epstein "a bunch of people are verbally committing to invest" and asked three structured questions: "What do you think? Can you think of anybody who might be interested? Do you want to invest?" He added: "I would prefer (2) to (3), just cause this way if this goes south it's not your money" — and offered to visit Epstein's island for a face-to-face discussion 5. When Epstein did not reply, Iozzo followed up: "shall I operate on this one under the usual assumption no reply -> not interesting?" The phrasing suggests an established communication protocol rather than a one-off interaction.
Corporate Footprint and Current Entities
Iozzo's corporate trail has limited visibility in standard registries. Iperlane, the company at the center of both the Ito introduction and the FBI CHS report, has no incorporation records in Florida, New York, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or UK corporate registries. No UCC filings, GLEIF LEI records, or state officer listings exist for Iozzo or Iperlane. The company's acquisition by CrowdStrike in late 2017 was confirmed only through Iozzo's own email to Epstein 19 and the CHS report. CrowdStrike's spokesperson confirmed to reporters in February 2026 that Iozzo left the company in 2021 but did not elaborate on the acquisition terms or Iperlane's corporate structure.
The post-Epstein corporate record is more visible. IRD Holdings Corp. (DE #6616843), incorporated February 14, 2022, lists Iozzo as President, Executive Officer, and Director in SEC Form D filings. The registered agent is Corporation Service Company at 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware. Three Form D offerings document the fundraising trajectory: $350,000 in March 2022 from 12 accredited investors; $8.04 million in April 2022 from 20 investors; and $1.8 million in October 2025 from 4 investors — totaling approximately $10.19 million. The principal address, 200 W. Madison Street, Suite 3900, Chicago, is the office of Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP, indicating legal counsel rather than operating presence. IRD Holdings operates as SlashID, an identity management startup that raised an $8.83 million seed round from Alven, DG Daiwa Ventures, Headline, Musha Ventures, and TQ Ventures. A New York branch (Entity #7571694) was registered March 27, 2025.
Iozzo also serves as director of 16HARLEYCO LIMITED (UK #11380263), a London Private Limited Company incorporated May 24, 2018. His co-director is Danny Rimer, a partner at Index Ventures, one of Europe's largest venture capital firms. Both were appointed on the same day, April 16, 2021, suggesting a joint investment or advisory arrangement. The company's ultimate beneficial owners are Jo Yee Chow and Sook Yee Chow. Iozzo's email domains evolved in parallel with his corporate entities: [email protected] (2015-2018), [email protected] (2016), and [email protected] (2017). No FEC donations, NYC ACRIS property records, ProPublica 990 entries, or OpenSanctions matches exist for any Iozzo-linked name or entity.
All Connections
9 total
All Connections
9 totalIozzo served as deal-flow conduit between Blocktree Capital LLC (Forman, Managing Partner) and Epstein. Iozzo forwarded Forman's investment pitches (Grab, Bitmain, Radius) to [email protected]. Aug 15, 2018: Forman sent Radius discussion email to Epstein, Shirazi, and Wong with subject line referencing 'Jefferey and Vincenzo.'
Joint investment participants in Epstein-targeted Radius Intelligence deal (Aug 2018). Shirazi was Radius CEO/Founder (ex-Facebook employee #10, early investor in Palantir/Lyft/Lending Club). He would invest via Blocktree entity with economic interest in fees and carry. Iozzo negotiated economics. Both named in call setup with Epstein.
Ito introduced Iozzo to Epstein May 2014 and pitched network security company idea that became Iperlane. Ito also channeled Epstein Blockstream investment.
Groff was primary scheduler for Iozzo-Epstein meetings 2015-2018, showing established access pattern through inner circle gatekeeper.
Iozzo brought blockchain and fintech ideas to Epstein from 2014. Pattern of technology intelligence advisory on decentralized markets, repo market crypto structures, CDS hedging.
Co-directors of 16HARLEYCO LIMITED (UK #11380263) since 16 Apr 2021. Rimer is partner at Index Ventures, one of Europe's largest VC firms. Both appointed same day suggesting joint investment or advisory role.
Iozzo maintained continuous corporate/tech relationship with Epstein 2014-2018, then founded IRD Holdings Corp (2022, Delaware, $10.19M raised). The legal/court database vacuum around Iozzo — zero criminal charges, zero sanctions listings, zero FARA registrations — despite CHS claims of zero-day sales to Hezbollah, Saudi, GCHQ — is investigatively anomalous.
Iozzo asked Epstein to facilitate test of IperLane surveillance product with Apollo Global Management (Sep 2015): 'speaking of Leon Black, it'd be awesome if at some point in the next few months we could do a test run with Apollo once we also have the iOS version ready. I know they currently use one of our competitors.' Epstein as intermediary between his hacker and his largest financial client.
All Findings
33 total
All Findings
33 totalfinancial (8)
Iozzo discussed blockchain finance with Epstein from Jun 2014. In EFTA01922290 (Jun 25 2014) they discussed decentralized prediction markets built on Bitcoin. Epstein critiqued the paper, noting IRS said Bitcoin is not a currency and regulatory risks. In EFTA02589432 (Sep 2 2014) Iozzo proposed using blockchain-like structure for repo market. In EFTA02706166 (Apr 6 2016) Iozzo discussed CDS (credit default swaps) as hedging alternatives. Pattern shows Iozzo bringing tech-finance ideas to Epstein for evaluation, consistent with Epstein seeking tech intelligence and Iozzo seeking financial mentorship/investment.
Iozzo discussed cybersecurity financial derivatives with Epstein on Aug 9-10, 2014 at Zorro Ranch. In email titled 'A note on shorting,' Iozzo raised the problem of shorting cyber insurance bonds: 'even if you want to short the bond through a derivative, who's going to take the other side of the bet? Everyone is/should be aware of the moral hazard there.' Referenced Epstein's earlier 'thesis on the fact that this can't work because it's hard for investors to understand.' Epstein replied asking about market mechanics. This shows Epstein and Iozzo were actively exploring how to create financial instruments around cybersecurity risk - combining Iozzo's offensive cyber expertise with Epstein's financial structuring knowledge. A cyber expert who knows how to create vulnerabilities discussing how to financially capitalize on cyber risk represents a significant moral hazard.
Iozzo confirmed CrowdStrike acquisition in Jan 31, 2018 email to Epstein ([email protected]): 'sold my company to a company crowdstrike and now I'm there for a bit.' Same email discusses insurance-linked securities in cyber, meeting someone from SCOR (reinsurer), references Credit Suisse and BNY Mellon testing ILS for cyber risk. Asks Epstein for contacts who understand these instruments. Primary-source confirmation of CrowdStrike/Iperlane acquisition timing.
SEC EDGAR confirms Blocktree Private Opportunities LLC - Series A (CIK 1747162): formed 2018 in Delaware, principal address 1161 Mission St, San Francisco CA 94103. Benjamin Forman listed as Managing Partner of Blocktree Capital LLC and promoter. Pooled Investment Fund. Date of first sale July 6, 2018. Total amount sold $2,300,000 (initial D filing Aug 2, 2018), increased to $2,735,000 in D/A amendment (Apr 12, 2019). Entity renamed from Blocktree to ParaFi between filings. Three series entities in SEC: A/B/C + General Fund LP. This is the vehicle through which Epstein was solicited to invest in Grab ($9.25B ride-sharing) and Radius Intelligence ($10M pre-money B2B data). Silvershore Internet Opportunity IV LP is the downstream Grab feeder.
Full Radius Intelligence deal terms pitched to Epstein (Aug 14, 2018): $12M Series 1-A Preferred Shares at $10M pre-money/$22M post-money. 1x liquidation preference, 54% common equity fully converted. Prior round raised at $150M pre-money (massive down-round). Company had been under LOI to Salesforce for ~$200M but deal fell apart. Burning $1.1M/month. Expected cash-flow positive by end CY19/FY20. Key investors included Founders Fund, Salesforce Ventures, American Express Ventures, 8VC, John Mack (ex-Morgan Stanley CEO), Jerry Yang (Yahoo co-founder). Iozzo told Epstein: 'my gut feeling is that this is a good value deal given the economics but the company itself is not really revolutionary/long term play.'
Iozzo served as deal-flow intermediary between Blocktree Capital LLC (Ben Forman, Managing Partner; Aaron Wong) and Epstein. Forwarded at least 3 investment opportunities: (1) Grab Series H Preferred Shares June 2018, $9.25B pre-money, via Blocktree Private Opportunities LLC -> Silvershore Internet Opportunity IV LP (EFTA02529170); (2) Radius Intelligence Series 1-A Aug 2018, $10M pre-money/$22M post-money, 54% equity, min $100K via Blocktree/Darian Shirazi (EFTA02602271); (3) Bitmain crypto mining shares Aug 2018 via iAngels Technologies LP + Blocktree (EFTA02602312). Blocktree renamed to ParaFi; SEC EDGAR shows CIK 1747162 (Series A), 1761732 (Series B), 1765770 (Series C), 1733707 (General Fund). Address: 600 California St Floor 11, SF CA 94108.
Iozzo acted as investment deal conduit to Epstein. On Jun 28, 2018, Iozzo forwarded Grab Series H opportunity (9.25B pre-money, 100k min) from Ben Forman at Blocktree Capital ([email protected]) via Jason Ng. On Aug 15, 2018, Forman organized Radius Discussion conf call with Darian Shirazi (Radius CEO), Aaron Wong, Epstein and Iozzo. Call confirmed for Aug 16 at 11:50am. Radius was B2B data platform that raised 100M+ VC. A separate document (EFTA02602271) shows Radius acquisition deal structure through Blocktree entity with Shirazi co-investing. Forman later founded ParaFi Capital (blockchain fund). Shirazi later sold Radius (2018), joined Google Gradient Ventures.
Comprehensive negative results across corporate/financial/regulatory databases with ONE EXCEPTION: SEC EDGAR Form D filings reveal IRD Holdings Corp. (CIK 0001916133) with Vincenzo Iozzo as President/Director — 3 filings raising ~$10.19M (2022-2025). See Finding #1624. Remaining negatives: (1) No Iperlane incorporation records in FL/NY/NM/PA/VI/UK corporate registries; (2) No Iozzo as officer in any state registry; (3) No UCC filings; (4) No GLEIF LEI for Iperlane; (5) No FEC donations by Vincenzo Iozzo; (6) No NYC ACRIS property records; (7) No ProPublica 990 entries; (8) No OpenSanctions matches; (9) No LittleSis entries; (10) No lobbying filings; (11) No DS10 Deutsche Bank transactions; (12) Not in Epstein 20K corpus.
communication (4)
Complete visit frequency analysis from email corpus: Iozzo attempted to schedule NYC meetings with Epstein approximately every 4-6 weeks throughout 2017-2018. Confirmed meetings: May 18, 2014 (first meeting), Aug 8-10, 2014 (Zorro Ranch), Oct 27, 2014 (Paris attempt), Dec 2015 (failed scheduling), Jun-Jul 2015 (multiple attempts), Nov 2016 (Boston + ride request), Jun 6, 2017 (returned to NYC), Jun 30, 2017 (confirmed 10am at 9 East), Oct-Nov 2017 (multiple attempts, unconfirmed), Mar-Apr 2018 (Apr 11 at 4pm confirmed via EFTA02244530), May-Jun 2018 (Jun 4 at 2:30pm confirmed), Jun 23+ 2018 (Paris meeting attempt), Jul-Aug 2018 (Aug 15-16 Radius call confirmed), Sep 2018 (failed - Epstein in PB), Nov 28-Dec 1, 2018 (confirmed 12:30pm at house, baseball hat email). Also asked about New Year's Eve 2016 plans. Multiple scheduling failures indicate Epstein was not always available, contradicting any suggestion meetings were always arranged by Epstein.
Email corpus establishes sustained Iozzo-Epstein relationship from at least June 2014 through December 2018 (4.5 years). 78 DugganUSA hits, 15 DOJ Vol11 results, 6 LMSBAND matches. Key phases: (1) 2014-2015: intellectual exchange on Bitcoin/prediction markets, meetings at NYC/Zorro Ranch; (2) 2016-2017: regular NYC visit scheduling via Lesley Groff, also contacts with Bebe (likely Sarah Kellen); (3) Jan 2018: CrowdStrike acquisition notification, asks for ILS contacts; (4) Jun-Aug 2018: deal pipeline (Grab/Bitmain/Radius via Blocktree); (5) Dec 2018: continues visiting post-Miami Herald. Iozzo communicated directly with Epstein at [email protected] and also coordinated via Lesley Groff for scheduling.
Iozzo pitched IperLane investment to Epstein in Nov 2014 (EFTA02595442) with island visit offer. Iozzo wrote: 'a bunch of people are verbally committing to invest' and asked Epstein three questions: (1) What do you think? (2) Can you think of anybody who might be interested? (3) Do you want to invest? Notably said: 'I would prefer (2) to (3), just cause this way if this goes south it's not your money.' Also offered to visit Epstein's island: 'I think you're going to your island at some point in November, if it's ok I'd show up there so that we can talk F2F sooner rather than later.' Attached IperLane_Executive-Summary.pdf and IperLane-Deck.pdf. Epstein did not reply, prompting Iozzo to follow up: 'shall I operate on this one under the usual assumption no reply -> not interesting?' This reveals Epstein's established pattern of non-response to proposals he declined.
Iozzo continued visiting Epstein at 9 E 71st on Dec 1, 2018 — just 3 days after Miami Herald published 'Perversion of Justice' series (Nov 28, 2018). Email shows Iozzo asking assistant: 'is there a lot of press around the house given recent news? Trying to decide whether to wear a baseball hat.' Shows awareness of media scrutiny but continued engagement. Also scheduled Nov 28, 2017 visit (EFTA02230809) — the day after the CHS described the Iozzo-Epstein relationship to FBI.
relationship (4)
Joi Ito (MIT Media Lab director) introduced Iozzo to Epstein via email on May 6, 2014. Ito described Iozzo as 'one of the best network security guys I know' and said he was 'working with him on a network security company idea' that 'might be interesting for you as well.' Iozzo met Epstein on May 18, 2014. This is the same Joi Ito who invested Epstein money in Blockstream (500K allocation, EFTA01918921) and who resigned from MIT in 2019 over Epstein donations. The 'network security company idea' Ito referenced likely became Iperlane (founded 2015).
Iozzo was Research Affiliate at MIT Media Lab 2016-2020, the same institution directed by Joi Ito who introduced him to Epstein. This deepens the Ito-Iozzo-Epstein triangle: Ito introduced them in 2014 pitching a security company, Iozzo then held an official MIT Media Lab affiliation while his company Iperlane was funded (allegedly by Epstein as one of three billionaire backers), and Ito simultaneously channeled Epstein donations to MIT. Ito resigned from MIT in Aug 2019 when this was exposed. Also connected to Andrew McAfee via Epstein email network per EpsteinWeb tracker.
Epstein's June 29-July 12, 2017 schedule (EFTA02216871) places Iozzo at 9 East 71st at 10:00am on June 30, 2017, the same day Epstein had a 3:30pm meeting with Joi Ito 'at his house.' This schedule also lists Ehud Barak arriving 'early morning' June 29, Larry Delson requesting a meeting, Skype with Philippe Van den Broek, dinner with 'Woody' (coordinated by Karyna Shuliak), and a Bedford trip. Iozzo's meeting was scheduled through Bebe Avdiu (legal assistant at Darren K. Indyke PLLC). The same schedule chain (EFTA02214997) confirms the meeting happened: 'Just confirming you'll be at Jeffrey's at 10am today?' with Iozzo replying 'Yes I will.' This connects three key Epstein associates on the same day: Iozzo (cyber), Barak (defense/intelligence), and Ito (MIT/technology).
Iozzo is director of 16HARLEYCO LIMITED (UK #11380263), a London Private Limited Company incorporated 24 May 2018 (SIC 96.09: personal services). Co-director with DANNY RIMER (Index Ventures partner) — both appointed same day 16 Apr 2021, suggesting joint investment. UBOs are Jo Yee Chow and Sook Yee Chow. Company active with full accounts to May 2024. Previous addresses: Embassy Gardens SW11, 12 Melcombe Place NW1. Current: 222 Regent Street W1B. VAT 332709804. Andrew George Robb was also director Apr 2021-Sep 2025.
intelligence (8)
Iozzo provided iOS security intelligence to both Epstein and Joi Ito on Jul 19, 2014. Forwarded researcher Jonathan Zdziarski's iOS backdoors presentation showing SMS extraction, address books, and app data could be extracted from iPhones/iPads cheaper and easier than most realized. Iozzo warned: 'You both use iPhone and iPads, might be a good idea to either install the application this guy wrote or change the usage pattern of your devices.' Epstein responded 'nice.' This establishes Iozzo as an active cybersecurity advisor to Epstein - someone providing operational security intelligence about mobile device vulnerabilities, consistent with the FBI CHS characterization as 'Epstein's personal hacker.'
Iozzo sent Epstein IperLane pitch materials with GPS people-tracking capability on Feb 17, 2015. Email states: 'We had to change the plan a bit because the other one wasn't working really well.. Btw I should have the proof of concept code that analyzes GPS data and traces people that way ready by the end of the week.' IperLane was a surveillance product capable of tracking individuals via GPS data. Later in Sep 2015, Iozzo sent updated deck and explicitly asked Epstein to facilitate 'a test run with Apollo once we also have the iOS version ready' because 'they currently use one of our competitors.' This connects Iperlane directly to Leon Black's Apollo Global Management as a prospective client for a surveillance tool, with Epstein as the intermediary.
Epstein forwarded Iozzo's technical security analysis of Mycelium cryptocurrency wallet to a Russian contact (Cyrillic name, appears as 'Cepreil Gemskon' in OCR) on Feb 3, 2016. Epstein told the Russian: 'He is very well respected with both black and white hat hackers' and offered 'I will do anything that is helpful to you.' The Russian asked 'is it possible to meet with him?' and proposed meeting 'in US' with 'me and my friend who is involved.' Iozzo's analysis covered blockchain security, mesh networking vulnerabilities, and custodial risks of decentralized systems. This shows Epstein actively brokering Iozzo's cyber expertise to Russian contacts - directly corroborating the FBI CHS claim that Epstein facilitated Iozzo's connections.
SYNTHESIS: Iozzo served three distinct roles for Epstein across 4.5 years (May 2014-Dec 2018): (1) cybersecurity/surveillance advisor — provided iOS vulnerability intelligence, built IperLane GPS people-tracking tool, assessed crypto wallet security; (2) technology broker — Epstein forwarded Iozzo's Mycelium wallet analysis to a Russian contact (Moscow timezone) offering 'I will do anything helpful to you,' and pitched IperLane to Apollo/Leon Black; (3) deal-flow intermediary — channeled Blocktree Capital (Ben Forman/ParaFi) investments to Epstein including Grab Series H (.25B), Radius Intelligence (M), and Bitmain. Introduced by Joi Ito (MIT Media Lab), Iozzo held MIT Research Affiliate status 2016-2020 while Ito channeled Epstein donations. Jun 30, 2017 schedule places Iozzo (10am), Ito (3:30pm), and Barak (arrived prior day) at 9 E 71st within 24 hours — converging cyber, academia/tech, and defense/intelligence. Complete legal vacuum: zero prosecutions despite FBI CHS claims of zero-day sales to Hezbollah, Saudi Arabia, GCHQ, and money laundering via California theater company. Current entity: IRD Holdings Corp (CIK 0001916133, DE, .19M raised 2022-2025) / SlashID (cybersecurity startup). 77 unique EFTA documents confirm sustained engagement; Iozzo was the persistent initiator throughout.
FBI CHS identified Vincenzo Iozzo (Italian, born Calabria) as 'Epstein's personal hacker' in SECRET//NOFORN FD-1023 report. CHS described Iozzo as developer of zero-day exploits for iOS/BlackBerry/Firefox, who sold tools to UK GCHQ, Saudi Arabia (established their cyber surveillance program), Central African government, and Hezbollah. Company Iperlane acquired by CrowdStrike fall 2017; Iozzo became VP/Senior Director there. CHS claimed Iozzo used a California theater company to launder zero-day income. Email corpus confirms extensive direct relationship: 78 DugganUSA hits spanning 2014-2018, including business meetings (Radius w/ Darian Shirazi), scheduling through Lesley Groff, and continued visits through Dec 2018 post-Miami Herald.
CHS reported Iozzo's company (Iperlane) had 'three billionaire backers' who 'provided the company's seed money,' with Jeffrey Epstein named as one. Another backer had 'a Japanese company.' CHS also described Iozzo's hacker network: friends with 'old school European hackers' including one who 'received a trunk of cash from Hezbollah in Italy' and 'drove the money to Switzerland and deposited it.' Iozzo allegedly sold zero-days to UK GCHQ (including training), Saudi Arabia (established their cyber surveillance program), a Central African government, and Hezbollah ('for political reasons'). Refused Italian government request. Made 'six figures from the sale of his zero-days.' Anti-Semitic, racist, terrified of Russia. Held Vatican City passport, possibly Iranian and Israeli passports.
SlashID (Iozzo current company, founded 2022) investor DG Daiwa Ventures is a Japanese VC firm (subsidiary of Daiwa Securities Group). This may be relevant to the FBI CHS claim that one of Iperlanes three billionaire backers had a Japanese company. However this is SlashID not Iperlane, and DG Daiwa is a VC firm not a billionaire individual. SoftBank (noted in target briefing as possible Japanese company connection) was invested in Grab, whose Series H shares Iozzo forwarded to Epstein. No direct evidence linking SoftBank to Iperlane funding found.
Iozzo response to FBI CHS claims (Feb 2026): Told TechCrunch he was never Epsteins hacker, nor did any hacking for him. Called FBI informant claims fabricated and false and defamatory. Said interactions were limited to business opportunities that never materialized. CrowdStrike spokesperson confirmed Iozzo left company in 2021. Black Hat removed Iozzo from review board Feb 2026, claimed it was for inactivity not Epstein connection. Code Blue (Japan conference) also removed him. No criminal charges or investigations publicly known against Iozzo.
identity (4)
Iozzo used at least 4 distinct email domains during his relationship with Epstein, tracking his company evolution: (1) Personal/early: unknown redacted addresses (2014); (2) tiqad.com: used Jun 2015-May 2018 and again post-CrowdStrike ([email protected] in EFTA02246663); (3) iperlane.com: used Dec 2016 when company was active ([email protected] in EFTA02666710); (4) rakoku.com: used Aug 2017 ([email protected] in EFTA02221399). The domain 'tiqad' may be Arabic-influenced (tiqad = trust/belief); 'rakoku' appears Japanese. 'Iperlane' was the company name itself. Iozzo also mentioned 'recently went to Tokyo' in Jul 2015 (EFTA02368792), consistent with international business ties. Iozzo also shared Epstein the link to edge.org (Brockman's foundation) in Jan 2016, suggesting awareness of Epstein's intellectual salon network.
ParaFi Capital LLC (DE #6727483) incorporated 25 Jan 2018, originally as BLOCKTREE CAPITAL LLC (confirmed name change via DE Division of Corporations). Agent: VCORP Services LLC, 1013 Centre Road Suite 403-B, Wilmington DE 19805. LEI: 2549005LEO7EQR4J8D56. CA branch active Feb 2018 - Dec 2020 (inactive). ParaFi Capital Management LLC (DE #4159570) formed 16 Nov 2020 with CT branch — likely the SEC-registered investment adviser entity.
IRD Holdings Corp (DE #6616843) incorporated 14 Feb 2022 as Domestic Corporation. Agent: Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808. NY branch (#7571694) registered 27 Mar 2025 at 80 State Street, Albany NY. Delaware does not disclose officers — SEC Form D is the only source showing Iozzo as President/Director with $10.19M raised.
Full public profile: Born Aug 1988, Calabria Italy. Politecnico di Milano 2010. Career: Zynamics (2008-11), Tiqad srl (2011-12), co-founded Trail of Bits (2012-14), co-founded Iperlane (2015, COO Kelly Shortridge), CrowdStrike acquisition Jan 2017 (2M seed), Senior Director CrowdStrike (2017-21), CEO SlashID (2022-present, 8.83M seed from Alven/DG Daiwa/Headline/Musha/TQ). UK director 16HARLEYCO LIMITED. Email [email protected]. Co-author iOS Hackers Handbook (Wiley 2012). Pwn2Own winner 2010-11, Black Hat board since 2011. Removed from Black Hat and Code Blue review boards Feb 2026 after Epstein files. Denies being Epstein hacker, calls CHS claims fabricated.
location (1)
Iozzo visited Epstein at Zorro Ranch, NM in August 2014. Email shows Iozzo arranging to fly to Albuquerque with car pickup arranged by Epstein (driver: Brice Gordon). This is the same location the FBI CHS described in EFTA01683874 as where Epstein 'lured and video recorded underage women.' Iozzo also discussed 'decentralized prediction markets and order books (w/ bitcoin)' with Epstein in June 2014 (EFTA01922290), showing technology/financial advisory relationship began at least by mid-2014.
unknown (4)
DOJ email corpus confirms Iozzo used [email protected] as primary email address (visible in EFTA02246663, May 31, 2018 email from Lesley Groff to Iozzo). 'Tiqad' appears in 63 DugganUSA hits. Domain name may relate to post-CrowdStrike venture. Combined with IRD Holdings Corp. (SEC EDGAR) and prior Iperlane (CrowdStrike-acquired), establishes at least 3 corporate entities linked to Iozzo: (1) Iperlane (pre-2017, acquired by CrowdStrike); (2) tiqad.com domain (active 2018); (3) IRD Holdings Corp. (2022-present, Delaware, Chicago). None appear in OpenSanctions (4.13M entities searched), no OFAC SDN match.
SEC EDGAR reveals Iozzo is President, Executive Officer, and Director of IRD Holdings Corp. (CIK 0001916133), a Delaware-incorporated 'Other Technology' entity at 200 W. Madison St. Suite 3900, Chicago IL 60606 (office of Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP). Three Form D filings: (1) Mar 2022 — $350K equity offering, 12 accredited investors; (2) Apr 2022 — $8.5M offering, $8.04M sold to 20 accredited investors; (3) Oct 2025 — $2M offering, $1.8M sold to 4 accredited investors. Total capital raised: ~$10.19M across three rounds. All filings under Regulation D exemption 06b. Revenue 'Decline to Disclose' on all filings. This directly corrects Finding #1614 which stated 'Zero SEC EDGAR filings mentioning Iozzo' — that search missed Form D filings which are filed by the issuer, not in full-text search.
Comprehensive court/legal database search yields ZERO results for Vincenzo Iozzo as a party in any criminal, civil, or regulatory proceeding in US federal courts. CourtListener search returned 20 results for surname 'Iozzo' — all different people (Christine, Dominic, Victor, Marc, Rochelle, etc.). CourtListener 'cases' search for 'Vincenzo Iozzo' returned 12 bankruptcy cases (Akorn, Celsius, GM, Lehman, etc.) where a different Vincenzo Iozzo appears as a creditor/attorney — this is a bankruptcy practitioner, not the cybersecurity researcher. No criminal indictments, no export control violations (ITAR/EAR), no sanctions violations (OFAC), no CFAA charges. This is investigatively significant: CHS alleged Iozzo sold zero-day exploits to GCHQ, Saudi Arabia, Central Africa, and Hezbollah. Sale to Hezbollah would constitute material support for terrorism (18 USC 2339B) and sanctions violation (OFAC SDN). Complete absence of criminal proceedings suggests either: (a) CHS claims are exaggerated/fabricated; (b) sales were authorized/directed by a government agency; or (c) prosecution was declined for intelligence reasons.
No FARA registration exists for Iozzo, Iperlane, or IRD Holdings Corp. despite CHS claims of zero-day exploit sales to Saudi Arabia, UK GCHQ, and Central Africa. FARA database search for 'Iozzo' and 'Iperlane' returned zero registrants and zero foreign principals. If Iozzo sold cyber-surveillance/offensive tools to foreign governments as alleged, and the sales were intermediated through US entities, FARA registration would potentially be required. The absence parallels the broader pattern of non-compliance identified in the investigation (15+ Epstein intermediaries, 6 countries). Additionally: No LDA lobbying filings for Iozzo/Iperlane. CrowdStrike has 20+ lobbying filings but none reference Iozzo or Iperlane acquisition specifically.
Full Timeline
35 events
Full Timeline
35 events- 1.EFTA01926133
- 2.EFTA02473582
- 3.EFTA01683874
- 4.EFTA01915609
- 5.EFTA02595442
- 6.EFTA02214997
- 7.EFTA02216871
- 8.EFTA01916368
- 9.EFTA02719531
- 10.EFTA02712657
- 11.EFTA01922290
- 12.EFTA02589432
- 13.EFTA02706166
- 14.EFTA01919420
- 15.EFTA02529170
- 16.EFTA02602271
- 17.EFTA02602312
- 18.EFTA02252965
- 19.EFTA02534379