Steven Sinofsky: The Former Microsoft Executive Who Used Jeffrey Epstein as an Adviser
Steven Jay Sinofsky is a software executive, investor, writer, and former president of Microsoft’s Windows Division. Released emails show that Sinofsky relied on Jeffrey Epstein for extensive advice during and after his November 2012 departure from Microsoft. Their correspondence covered Sinofsky’s exit negotiations, a proposed 20 million dollar demand, the final Microsoft agreement valued at approximately 14 million dollars, possible jobs or ventures involving Apple and Samsung, introductions across Silicon Valley, Bitcoin, Microsoft strategy, technology news, and repeated plans to meet.
The relationship was financial as well as personal and advisory. In March 2026, Epstein accountant Richard Kahn testified under congressional subpoena that Sinofsky was one of Epstein’s fee paying clients and estimated that Sinofsky paid Epstein approximately 5 million dollars. Epstein attorney Darren Indyke separately confirmed Sinofsky as a client, according to a cross checked analysis of both depositions. The released emails do not clearly define the full scope of the services covered by those payments.
Sinofsky’s correspondence with Epstein occurred after Epstein’s 2008 Florida conviction and sex offender registration. The records establish sustained contact, professional advice, reported payments, meetings, and network introductions. They do not establish that Sinofsky participated in, knew about, or facilitated Epstein’s sexual abuse or trafficking.
Snapshot
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Steven Jay Sinofsky |
| Born | 1965, New York City |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and computer science, Cornell University; master’s degree in computer science, University of Massachusetts Amherst |
| Microsoft career | 1989 through November 2012 |
| Major Microsoft roles | Software engineer, technical assistant to Bill Gates, Office executive, president of the Windows Division |
| Products associated with his leadership | Microsoft Office, Windows 7, Windows 8, Internet Explorer, Windows Live, and Surface |
| Post Microsoft work | Harvard Business School visiting scholar, board partner at Andreessen Horowitz, investor, adviser, board member, and writer |
| Epstein relationship documented | At least 2011 through 2017, with the heaviest released correspondence during 2012 through 2014 |
| Nature of relationship | Financial client, negotiation adviser, career adviser, introducer, technology correspondent, and in person contact |
| Reported payment to Epstein | Approximately 5 million dollars, according to Richard Kahn’s 2026 congressional testimony |
| Microsoft exit agreement | Approximately 14 million dollars in stock value under the July 2013 retirement agreement |
| Important associates in the records | Melanie Walker, Steve Ballmer, Bill Gates, Tim Cook, Ian Osborne, Michael Ovitz, Marc Andreessen, Reid Hoffman, Jes Staley, Peter Thiel, Aaron Levie, and Stephen Hawking |
| Criminal allegation status | No released record reviewed for this article accuses Sinofsky of participating in Epstein’s sexual abuse or trafficking |
Key takeaways
- Sinofsky was not merely named in an address book or copied on a stray email. The surviving record documents a sustained, direct, and financially significant relationship.
- Sinofsky sent Epstein frequent updates while negotiating his Microsoft departure and asked for or acted on Epstein’s advice.
- Epstein encouraged Sinofsky to seek 20 million dollars. Microsoft ultimately announced a retirement agreement valued at approximately 14 million dollars.
- After the payment arrived, Sinofsky wrote to Epstein, “Got paid. You will be too :)”
- Congressional testimony in 2026 identified Sinofsky as one of Epstein’s fee paying clients and placed the approximate payment at 5 million dollars.
- Epstein tried to facilitate career opportunities and introductions involving Apple, Tim Cook, Samsung, Andreessen Horowitz, and other technology leaders.
- Sinofsky forwarded Epstein an internal Microsoft email thread discussing severe Surface RT sales problems and the risk of a public product failure.
- Their discussions continued into Bitcoin, venture capital, technology companies, Microsoft leadership, and social meetings through at least 2017.
- The evidence supports scrutiny of the relationship but does not support alleging that Sinofsky participated in Epstein’s sexual crimes.
Biography and professional background
Sinofsky was born in New York City in 1965 and later grew up in Florida. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1987, studying chemistry and computer science, and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1989. His graduate work included object oriented programming languages and database systems.
Sinofsky joined Microsoft in July 1989 as a software design engineer. His early work included development tools and Microsoft’s C++ environment for Windows. He later became technical assistant to Bill Gates, a role that placed him close to Microsoft’s senior leadership and strategic planning.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Sinofsky moved into the Microsoft Office organization. He held senior leadership positions and became closely associated with the company’s disciplined product planning and shipping process. His work touched major Office releases and the expansion of the suite to products including Outlook, SharePoint, OneNote, and Visio.
In 2006, Sinofsky moved to the Windows organization. Microsoft promoted him to president of the Windows Division in July 2009. The company said he would oversee engineering and marketing for Windows, Windows Live, and Internet Explorer. His tenure included the successful release of Windows 7, followed by the much more controversial Windows 8 and the launch of Microsoft’s Surface hardware.
Microsoft announced on November 12, 2012 that Sinofsky was leaving immediately. Julie Larson Green took responsibility for Windows software and hardware engineering, while Tami Reller assumed responsibility for the Windows business. The public announcement did not describe the detailed dispute reflected in Sinofsky’s later emails with Epstein.
After Microsoft, Sinofsky returned to Harvard Business School as a visiting scholar and became a board partner at Andreessen Horowitz, also known as a16z. He has invested in and advised technology companies, served on boards, written about product development and technology history, and published Hardcore Software, his account of the personal computer era and his Microsoft career. Andreessen Horowitz continued to identify him as a board partner in 2026.
How Sinofsky was connected to Epstein
The complete origin of their relationship is not stated in one record. Several documented pathways help explain it.
First, Sinofsky’s longtime partner, physician Melanie Walker, had known Epstein since the 1990s. Walker worked as a science adviser to Epstein before joining the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2006. That history placed Epstein within Sinofsky’s personal and professional environment before the Microsoft exit negotiations.
Second, Sinofsky and Epstein were already corresponding by 2011. EFTA01997997 contains a discussion of Internet Explorer 9 while Sinofsky still led Windows. This predates his November 2012 departure and shows the relationship was not created solely to negotiate the exit agreement.
Third, Epstein maintained relationships with people across the Microsoft, Gates, finance, venture capital, and technology networks. The released records connect the Sinofsky correspondence with Bill Gates, Boris Nikolic, Melanie Walker, Reid Hoffman, Marc Andreessen, Peter Thiel, Jes Staley, Ian Osborne, Michael Ovitz, Tim Cook, Aaron Levie, and other figures.
By late 2012, Epstein was not functioning as a casual acquaintance. Sinofsky was forwarding negotiation developments, discussing legal terms, sharing career concerns, arranging calls and meals, and seeking advice in near real time.
The Microsoft departure and Epstein’s advisory role
Microsoft announced Sinofsky’s departure less than three weeks after the public launch of Windows 8 and shortly after the Surface RT launch. Public coverage at the time focused on leadership conflict, Sinofsky’s management style, and the mixed reception to Windows 8. The Epstein correspondence later exposed a much more detailed negotiation.
Negotiation timeline
| Period | What the records show |
|---|---|
| November 2012 | Microsoft announces Sinofsky’s immediate departure. Sinofsky begins sending Epstein updates about proposed terms, vesting, restrictions, and negotiations |
| Late 2012 | Epstein advises Sinofsky on leverage and future options. The correspondence also turns to Apple, Samsung, and other possible roles |
| Early 2013 | Sinofsky and Epstein discuss Microsoft’s proposed noncompete terms, public perception, press inquiries, and Sinofsky’s ability to write about Microsoft |
| 2013 negotiations | Microsoft initially offers approximately 5 million dollars for a noncompete arrangement and related restrictions. Epstein pushes Sinofsky to seek 20 million dollars |
| May and June 2013 | Sinofsky continues updating Epstein about Microsoft, reporters, Ballmer, possible recruiting concerns, and the company’s negotiating behavior |
| July 3, 2013 | Microsoft announces a retirement agreement valued at approximately 14 million dollars in stock, subject to restrictions |
| September 2013 | Sinofsky tells Epstein that he has been paid and that Epstein will be paid too |
| March 2026 | Richard Kahn testifies that Sinofsky paid Epstein approximately 5 million dollars, while the nature of the services is left unspecified |
Proposed restrictions
An email from executive compensation attorney Scott D. Price described Microsoft’s willingness to pay more than 5 million dollars if Sinofsky accepted restrictions that included communications with Microsoft employees about compensation, business strategy, and certain other subjects. The proposed terms also addressed writing or publishing material that Microsoft regarded as harmful or unpleasant.
Sinofsky discussed those terms with Epstein. He also expressed concern that the agreement might make his exit look like a firing. Other correspondence shows him considering whether Microsoft feared he might recruit Windows employees or publicly blame company leadership for product problems.
Epstein’s negotiating position
EFTA02723755 is one of the records cited for Epstein’s advice that Sinofsky continue pressing for 20 million dollars. The final publicly announced agreement was smaller, but still substantial. Under Microsoft’s July 2013 disclosure, Sinofsky could receive stock awards valued at approximately 14 million dollars in exchange for obligations that included a noncompete commitment through the end of 2013 and other restrictions.
The documents make clear that Epstein considered his work compensable. Sinofsky’s September 2013 message, preserved in EFTA00706993, reads: “Got paid. You will be too :).” That message alone does not state an amount. Kahn’s later congressional testimony supplies the approximate 5 million dollar figure.
The approximately 5 million dollar payment
In a March 11, 2026 closed door deposition before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Epstein’s longtime accountant Richard Kahn identified Sinofsky as one of five clients who paid Epstein for financial or advisory work. Kahn estimated Sinofsky’s payments at approximately 5 million dollars but did not identify the precise services.
An independent analysis of the recorded deposition reports that Epstein attorney Darren Indyke also confirmed Sinofsky as a client in his separate March 19, 2026 deposition. The amount came from Kahn’s testimony. Associated Press reporting after Kahn’s appearance likewise identified Sinofsky among the prominent people who paid money to Epstein.
This evidence changes the characterization of the relationship. It was not simply friendship, networking, or informal career advice. Sinofsky was reportedly a fee paying client who transferred a sum comparable to more than one third of the publicly reported value of his Microsoft retirement agreement.
The surviving public record does not yet answer several important financial questions:
- Whether the approximately 5 million dollars was a single payment or multiple payments.
- Which Epstein entity or account received the money.
- Whether the payment was contingent on the Microsoft settlement.
- Whether it covered only Microsoft exit advice or also later career and investment work.
- Whether Sinofsky claimed the payment as a business expense.
- Whether Epstein issued an invoice, engagement letter, tax document, or written scope of work.
- Whether lawyers or Microsoft knew Epstein was advising Sinofsky.
No evidence reviewed for this article establishes that the payment itself was illegal. It does establish a financial relationship that deserves separate treatment from social contact.
Sharing internal Microsoft information
One of the most consequential records is EFTA02572388. It contains an internal Microsoft email thread that Sinofsky forwarded to Epstein in July 2013. The underlying messages dated from November 2012 and involved Sinofsky, Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer, and chief operating officer Kevin Turner.
The thread described serious problems with Surface RT sales. Sinofsky warned that the product was in a very difficult position and could “catastrophically fail in a very public way.” He discussed the company’s online sales assumptions, the need for retail access, excess inventory risk, and the possibility that Microsoft was approaching an unrecoverable situation.
The email was no longer current when Sinofsky sent it to Epstein, and Microsoft had already announced Sinofsky’s departure. Even so, it contained internal strategic discussion by senior Microsoft executives. In July 2013, Microsoft announced a 900 million dollar charge related to Surface RT inventory adjustments.
The document proves that Sinofsky supplied Epstein with internal corporate material. It does not prove that Epstein traded securities, passed the information to another person, or profited from it. Whether any information remained material and nonpublic at the time of forwarding would require a document specific securities law analysis.
Apple, Tim Cook, and Ian Osborne
Epstein tried to assist Sinofsky with a possible Apple opportunity after the Microsoft departure.
In late 2012, Epstein told Sinofsky that Apple chief executive Tim Cook was interested in meeting him. Epstein also relayed concern that Cook had heard Sinofsky might form a company with former Apple executive Scott Forstall. The released record contains Epstein’s misspelled reference to “farstall,” which is reasonably understood as Forstall.
EFTA00949972 documents the early Apple discussion. EFTA00639071 and EFTA01969665 help document later developments. Sinofsky eventually told Epstein that he had met Cook and that Cook suggested they talk again if Sinofsky decided to return to full time work.
British investor Ian Osborne also appears in the chain. Osborne told Epstein he had been with Cook and would call. The correspondence suggests that Epstein used Osborne as part of the introduction or information channel, although the precise sequence of who contacted whom is not fully established.
No released evidence reviewed here shows that Apple hired Sinofsky or entered a formal agreement with him. Apple did not comment to The Verge about the reported introduction.
Samsung and Google related discussions
Sinofsky also discussed a potential role or transaction involving Samsung. EFTA00951826 and EFTA01907290 describe meetings and concerns about Samsung communicating with Ballmer. Sinofsky told Epstein that Samsung wanted stronger software capabilities so it would not remain dependent on Google.
The correspondence went beyond casual reporting. EFTA01898793 contains Epstein asking whether Sinofsky agreed that Epstein could handle negotiations concerning Google and Samsung from that point. This is direct evidence that Epstein was attempting to act as an intermediary or negotiator.
The public record reviewed for this article does not show that the proposed arrangement produced a job, acquisition, partnership, or completed transaction.
Michael Ovitz and Andreessen Horowitz
In January 2013, Sinofsky told Epstein that he had met entertainment executive Michael Ovitz at Andreessen Horowitz and asked whether Epstein knew him. Epstein replied that he knew Ovitz very well. The exchange appears in EFTA01912337.
Separate correspondence reported by Business Insider shows Ovitz telling Epstein that he and Sinofsky had been praising Epstein’s abilities. That message is important because it indicates Sinofsky spoke favorably about Epstein to another powerful contact while relying on Epstein during the Microsoft negotiations.
Sinofsky later became a board partner at Andreessen Horowitz. The records also show Epstein using Sinofsky as a possible bridge to Marc Andreessen. In EFTA01804670, Epstein asked Sinofsky to have Andreessen speak with Jes Staley about Epstein’s interest in currency.
These records do not establish that Andreessen Horowitz or its partners knew the full nature of Sinofsky’s financial arrangement with Epstein.
Bitcoin, Silk Road, and cryptocurrency discussions
Sinofsky became one of Epstein’s most frequent correspondents on Bitcoin during 2013 and 2014. The exchanges show curiosity, investment, skepticism, and network brokering.
| Record | Subject or statement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| EFTA01754738 | “bitcoin and silk road” | Discussion after the arrest of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht and the exposure created by using identifying accounts |
| EFTA01754969 | Continuation of Bitcoin and Silk Road discussion | Shows an ongoing exchange rather than one forwarded article |
| EFTA00976881 | Sinofsky says he is up 50 percent on his Bitcoin investment | Direct evidence that he held a Bitcoin position at that time |
| EFTA01804670 | Epstein asks Sinofsky to connect Marc Andreessen and Jes Staley about currency | Shows Sinofsky being used for an introduction within Epstein’s finance and technology network |
| EFTA01897935 | Sinofsky predicts Bitcoin could fall after a money laundering prosecution | Shows attention to regulatory and criminal exposure |
The correspondence does not establish that Sinofsky invested jointly with Epstein or that Sinofsky participated in Epstein’s cryptocurrency investments. It shows that Sinofsky supplied information, opinions, and at least one requested connection.
Meetings, meals, and continuing contact
The records document in person contact, not merely email correspondence.
- EFTA00395157 concerns meeting plans during the Microsoft negotiation period.
- EFTA00395365 concerns dinner arrangements.
- EFTA02109017 is cited for later meetup planning.
- A 2016 itinerary and related emails place Epstein and Sinofsky at a planned or completed lunch at Taj Campton Place in San Francisco. Sinofsky suggested a small hotel bar or restaurant as the meeting location.
- EFTA00688611 helps establish that their communications continued into 2017.
The available material supports repeated meetings, lunches, or dinners. It does not establish that Sinofsky visited Little Saint James, Great Saint James, Zorro Ranch, Epstein’s Palm Beach residence, or the Paris apartment. No verified flight log entry placing Sinofsky aboard an Epstein aircraft was located for this article.
Microsoft leadership, press strategy, and public narrative
Sinofsky continued using Epstein as a sounding board after the departure terms were largely resolved.
The correspondence includes:
- Concern that Microsoft might blame Windows 8’s problems on Sinofsky.
- Concern that Microsoft feared he would recruit former colleagues.
- Discussion of Microsoft contacting reporters to ask whether they had spoken with him.
- Questions about how to respond to press inquiries.
- Frustration with Microsoft’s negotiating behavior, which Sinofsky described as “crazy” and likely to become more so.
- Interest in Steve Ballmer’s retirement and Microsoft shareholder unrest.
- Discussion of whether the settlement terms would make Sinofsky appear to have been fired.
EFTA00701402, EFTA00665052, EFTA01758236, EFTA01975140, EFTA00962377, EFTA01966947, and EFTA01757885 document parts of that continuing discussion.
This pattern shows that Epstein’s role extended beyond bargaining over a dollar figure. Sinofsky consulted him about reputation, communications, future work, former colleagues, and company politics.
The Stephen Hawking commercial request
Sinofsky also asked Epstein to help Microsoft contacts reach physicist Stephen Hawking for a commercial. EFTA01951240 records the request.
Microsoft ultimately aired an inspirational technology advertisement during the 2014 Super Bowl. Hawking did not appear in the completed advertisement. The episode illustrates why Epstein’s network was useful to Sinofsky: Epstein presented himself as someone who could reach scientists, billionaires, executives, and public figures across otherwise separate circles.
Technology news, investments, and later correspondence
The relationship continued after the Microsoft settlement through exchanges about technology, venture capital, investments, and current events.
House Oversight file 020143 contains an Axios Pro Rata newsletter that Sinofsky forwarded to Epstein in February 2018. A related copy appears as House file 021096. These records are routine on their own but show that Sinofsky remained within Epstein’s information network years after the settlement.
House file 030235 contains an email chain about economic commentary framed around Atlas Shrugged. House file 030950 concerns Jawbone investment and technology opportunities and includes Epstein, Reid Hoffman, Ian Osborne, Darren Indyke, Peter Thiel, and Sinofsky among the people mentioned.
EFTA00678529 includes forwarded LinkedIn material concerning Sinofsky’s advisory role at Box. Other records discuss venture investments, technology companies, and industry reporting. The quantity of documents reflects both direct correspondence and duplicated or forwarded material, so raw page counts should not be treated as a count of unique interactions.
“Radical Breakthroughs” name list
Sinofsky’s surname also appears in Jeffrey Epstein’s January 8, 2018 “radical breakthrough” notes. EFTA02540965 places “sinofsky” in a compressed list near Peter Thiel, Reid Hoffman, Terje Rød Larsen, Ehud Barak, Steve Bannon, Tom Barrack, Kathy Ruemmler, and other figures.
Related correspondence shows that television producer Robert Lawrence Kuhn proposed a thirteen episode Closer To Truth project called “Radical Breakthroughs.” The notes appear to be brainstorming material for possible subjects, experts, contacts, or examples. Sinofsky’s appearance proves Epstein included him in the note. It does not prove that Sinofsky was contacted about the production or agreed to participate.
Melanie Walker connection
Melanie S. Walker is an important bridge between Sinofsky, Epstein, and the Gates network. Public reporting and released records describe Walker as a former Epstein science adviser who later worked at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and in other global health roles. Sinofsky and Walker have been described publicly as longtime partners.
The existence of that connection does not establish exactly when Sinofsky first met Epstein or who initiated the relationship. It does make the relationship less mysterious than a cold approach by Epstein during the 2012 exit negotiations. By that point, Epstein was already embedded in a personal network that touched Sinofsky, Microsoft, Gates related personnel, science philanthropy, and technology investors.
The Walker relationship should not be used to transfer allegations between people. Her history with Epstein requires its own evidence based article and does not prove what Sinofsky knew about Epstein’s conduct.
Public responses and unanswered accountability questions
When The Verge sought comment in 2026, Sinofsky initially declined an on the record response and directed the reporter to Matthew Hiltzik of Hiltzik Strategies. The firm requested a background conversation but declined to comment on the record when the publication required attribution. Microsoft also declined to comment.
The available public record does not contain a detailed statement from Sinofsky explaining:
- Why he selected Epstein as an adviser after Epstein’s conviction and sex offender registration.
- What services justified approximately 5 million dollars in payments.
- Whether he knew the money would pass through a particular Epstein company or trust.
- Whether he disclosed Epstein’s advisory role to Microsoft, his lawyers, tax authorities, Andreessen Horowitz, or companies he later advised.
- Why he forwarded internal Microsoft correspondence to Epstein.
- Whether he introduced Epstein to additional technology or financial contacts beyond those visible in the released emails.
- When and why he ended contact.
Silence does not establish illegality. These questions remain material because Sinofsky was a senior technology executive who entrusted sensitive professional information and substantial money to a convicted sex offender operating through opaque advisory arrangements.
What the evidence establishes
Directly established by released records or sworn testimony
- Sinofsky and Epstein corresponded directly for years.
- Their relationship existed before Sinofsky left Microsoft.
- Sinofsky relied on Epstein for advice during negotiations with Microsoft.
- Epstein urged a 20 million dollar negotiating position.
- Microsoft ultimately announced an agreement valued at approximately 14 million dollars.
- Sinofsky told Epstein that he had been paid and Epstein would be paid.
- Kahn identified Sinofsky as a fee paying Epstein client and estimated approximately 5 million dollars in payments.
- Sinofsky forwarded Epstein internal Microsoft correspondence about Surface RT.
- Epstein participated in or attempted to facilitate Apple and Samsung opportunities.
- Sinofsky and Epstein discussed Bitcoin, Microsoft, technology companies, investments, and press strategy.
- The records contain plans for meetings, meals, calls, and later contact through at least 2017.
Reasonable conclusions that remain partly inferential
- Epstein’s services likely included Microsoft exit strategy, negotiation advice, career planning, and introductions.
- Melanie Walker’s longstanding relationship with Epstein likely helped create or deepen the Sinofsky connection.
- Epstein used the Sinofsky relationship to extend his access within Microsoft, Silicon Valley, finance, and cryptocurrency circles.
Not established by the reviewed evidence
- That Sinofsky participated in Epstein’s sexual abuse or trafficking.
- That Sinofsky knew the full nature or extent of Epstein’s crimes.
- That the approximately 5 million dollar payment was unlawful.
- That Epstein traded on the Microsoft information.
- That Sinofsky visited an Epstein island or flew on an Epstein aircraft.
- That Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, or Andreessen Horowitz retained Epstein.
- That any proposed Apple or Samsung employment arrangement was completed.
Relationship timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1990s | Melanie Walker knows and works with Epstein, creating an eventual personal bridge to Sinofsky |
| 2011 | Sinofsky and Epstein discuss Internet Explorer 9 while Sinofsky is still president of Microsoft’s Windows Division |
| October 2012 | Microsoft launches Windows 8 and Surface RT |
| November 2012 | Microsoft announces Sinofsky’s immediate departure. Sinofsky begins intensive consultation with Epstein about exit terms |
| Late 2012 | Epstein discusses a possible Tim Cook meeting and other career options with Sinofsky |
| Early 2013 | Negotiations continue over Microsoft restrictions, compensation, writing, press, and recruiting |
| January 2013 | Sinofsky asks Epstein about Michael Ovitz after meeting Ovitz at Andreessen Horowitz |
| May 2013 | Sinofsky reports meeting Tim Cook and discussing possible future work |
| July 2013 | Microsoft announces the approximately 14 million dollar retirement agreement. Sinofsky forwards the old internal Surface RT thread to Epstein |
| September 2013 | Sinofsky tells Epstein that he has been paid and Epstein will be paid |
| Late 2013 through 2014 | Frequent correspondence about Bitcoin, Silk Road, Microsoft leadership, venture capital, and technology |
| 2014 | Sinofsky asks Epstein for help connecting Microsoft contacts with Stephen Hawking for a commercial |
| 2016 | Records document plans involving a San Francisco lunch and continuing technology network contact |
| 2017 | Released records still show communication and meetup planning |
| January and February 2018 | Sinofsky appears in Epstein’s “radical breakthrough” list and forwards an Axios technology newsletter |
| March 2026 | Kahn and Indyke depositions identify Sinofsky as an Epstein client; Kahn estimates approximately 5 million dollars in payments |
Evidence appearances
| Evidence | Date or period | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EFTA01997997 | 2011 | Internet Explorer 9 discussion showing contact before the Microsoft exit |
| EFTA01978087 | November 2012 | Early Microsoft exit negotiation and vesting correspondence |
| EFTA02723598 | November 2012 | Additional exit negotiation correspondence |
| EFTA01913126 | Late 2012 | Third party message to Epstein concerning Sinofsky’s emotional state |
| EFTA01913181 | Late 2012 | Sinofsky’s reaction to questions about his departure and Harvard role |
| EFTA00949972 | Late 2012 | Tim Cook and Scott Forstall discussion |
| EFTA00949940 | 2012 or 2013 | Microsoft’s proposed payment and restrictions |
| EFTA01758236 | 2013 | Concern that the agreement would make the departure look like a firing |
| EFTA02723755 | 2013 | Epstein presses the 20 million dollar negotiating position |
| EFTA00701402 | 2013 | Discussion of Microsoft concerns about recruiting employees |
| EFTA00665052 | 2013 | Discussion of Ballmer and blame for Windows 8 |
| EFTA00395157 | 2013 | Meeting arrangements |
| EFTA00395365 | 2013 | Dinner arrangements |
| EFTA00951826 | 2013 | Samsung meeting and possible professional opportunity |
| EFTA01907290 | 2013 | Samsung software strategy and concern about contact with Microsoft |
| EFTA01898793 | 2013 | Epstein proposes handling Google and Samsung negotiations |
| EFTA00639071 | 2013 | Tim Cook related correspondence |
| EFTA01969665 | 2013 | Sinofsky reports the result of his Tim Cook conversation |
| EFTA01912337 | January 2013 | Michael Ovitz and Andreessen Horowitz exchange |
| EFTA01975140 | 2013 | Microsoft concern about Sinofsky’s public writing |
| EFTA00962377 | June 2013 | Sinofsky describes Microsoft’s conduct during negotiations |
| EFTA01966947 | 2013 | Press inquiries and advice |
| EFTA02572388 | July 2013 | Internal Surface RT correspondence forwarded to Epstein |
| EFTA00706993 | September 2013 | “Got paid. You will be too :)” |
| EFTA01754738 | October 2013 | Bitcoin and Silk Road discussion |
| EFTA01754969 | October 2013 | Continued Bitcoin and Silk Road discussion |
| EFTA00976881 | November 2013 | Sinofsky reports a 50 percent gain on his Bitcoin investment |
| EFTA01757885 | 2013 | Ballmer retirement and shareholder unrest discussion |
| EFTA01804670 | 2013 or 2014 | Epstein asks Sinofsky to connect Marc Andreessen with Jes Staley about currency |
| EFTA01897935 | 2014 | Bitcoin and money laundering enforcement discussion |
| EFTA01951240 | 2014 | Stephen Hawking commercial request |
| EFTA02109017 | Later correspondence | Meetup planning |
| EFTA00688611 | 2017 | Evidence of continuing contact |
| EFTA02540965 | January 8, 2018 | Sinofsky named in Epstein’s “radical breakthrough” notes |
| EFTA00678529 | Date shown in record | LinkedIn updates mentioning Sinofsky and Box |
| EFTA00657654 | 2013 | Legal correspondence naming Sinofsky, Jay Lefkowitz, and Microsoft attorney Brad Smith |
| House Oversight 020143 | February 21, 2018 | Axios Pro Rata technology newsletter forwarded by Sinofsky to Epstein |
| House Oversight 021096 | 2018 | Related Pro Rata newsletter copy |
| House Oversight 030235 | Date shown in record | Economic commentary and Atlas Shrugged discussion |
| House Oversight 030950 | Date shown in record | Jawbone investment and technology network discussion |
Sources
Primary and official sources
- United States Department of Justice Epstein Library
- Microsoft, promotion of Sinofsky to president of the Windows Division
- Microsoft, November 2012 leadership change announcement
- Microsoft, Sinofsky’s Surface launch presentation
- Andreessen Horowitz, Steven Sinofsky profile
- Steven Sinofsky, Learning by Shipping biography
- Epstein Files, Richard Kahn congressional deposition analysis
- Epstein Files, cryptocurrency network evidence analysis
Reporting and contextual sources
- The Verge, “Former Windows 8 boss recruited Epstein to help negotiate his messy Microsoft exit”
- The Verge, “Jeffrey Epstein arranged a meeting with Tim Cook for the former head of Windows”
- Associated Press, Richard Kahn testimony on Epstein’s wealth and business ties
- Business Insider, Epstein’s finances and fee paying clients identified by Kahn
- Business Insider, Michael Ovitz, Sinofsky, and Epstein correspondence
- San Francisco Chronicle, Epstein’s Bay Area meetings and Sinofsky lunch
- The Verge, Microsoft’s 2013 Sinofsky retirement agreement
Questions for further investigation
- What contracts, invoices, bank wires, tax records, or engagement letters document the approximately 5 million dollars Sinofsky paid Epstein?
- Which Epstein entity received the money?
- Was any part of Epstein’s compensation contingent on the Microsoft settlement?
- Did Sinofsky’s lawyers know Epstein was advising him during negotiations?
- Did Microsoft know that internal messages and negotiating information were being sent to Epstein?
- Did Epstein share Sinofsky’s Microsoft information with investors, bankers, or other clients?
- Did regulators review the Surface RT email or related trading activity?
- How many in person meetings occurred, and where did each take place?
- Did Sinofsky introduce Epstein to Marc Andreessen, Tim Cook, Michael Ovitz, Aaron Levie, or other contacts beyond the exchanges already released?
- What services did Epstein provide after the Microsoft settlement?
- Did Sinofsky make any joint investment with Epstein, particularly in cryptocurrency or venture capital?
- When did Sinofsky end contact, and what prompted the break?
- Will the full Kahn and Indyke transcripts identify the dates, recipients, and accounting treatment of Sinofsky’s payments?
- Are there flight, visitor, calendar, or expense records that confirm additional meetings not visible in the email corpus?