AI Researcher Ben Goertzel Linked to Jeffrey Epstein's Funding and Hong Kong Grants

AI researcher Ben Goertzel received over US$113,000 from Jeffrey Epstein and help for HK$8.9 million in Hong Kong government grants for his AI work.
By Newsroom | Technology, Business |

Recent reports, citing leaked emails and official documents, indicate that Ben Goertzel, a prominent figure in the field of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), had financial and personal dealings with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender and financier. These exchanges suggest Goertzel actively sought funding from Epstein for his AI research and, at one point, congratulated him on his release from jail. While Goertzel has expressed regret for his association with Epstein, no evidence has surfaced linking him directly to Epstein's criminal activities.

Background of the Association

In the 2010s, Ben Goertzel, known for popularizing the term AGI, was actively seeking funding for his open-source AI framework, OpenCog. During this period, he engaged with Jeffrey Epstein, who provided financial support for Goertzel's projects. Documents suggest Epstein channeled funds, totaling at least US$113,000 between 2010 and 2015, through the non-profit organization Humanity+, which Goertzel chairs.

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Epstein's involvement extended beyond direct funding. US government documents and email exchanges reveal that Epstein also assisted Goertzel in securing significant grants from the Hong Kong government. This support is understood to have unlocked approximately HK$8.9 million (around US$1.13 million) in government funding for AI research projects in Hong Kong, where Goertzel was involved with institutions like Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Hanson Robotics.

Emails show 'Godfather of AGI' Ben Goertzel courted Epstein for funding and congratulated him on jail release - 1

Goertzel's Interactions with Epstein

The newly published emails suggest a proactive approach by Goertzel in seeking Epstein's financial backing. There are indications of Goertzel arranging in-person meetings with Epstein at his offices in New York and Florida.

One email, sent in 2015 when allegations of Epstein's underage sex activities resurfaced, shows Goertzel writing to Epstein that such accusations could have been "an occurrence among reasonably mature people who mutually consented at the time." This statement, made while Goertzel was seeking an additional US$25,000 in financing, has drawn particular attention.

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Furthermore, Goertzel appears to have congratulated Epstein on his jail release. The exact timing and context of this congratulatory message are part of the ongoing review of the Epstein files.

Emails show 'Godfather of AGI' Ben Goertzel courted Epstein for funding and congratulated him on jail release - 2

Goertzel's Response and Current Stance

Following the dissemination of these documents, Ben Goertzel has publicly expressed "deep regret" for his association with Jeffrey Epstein and for accepting his financial support. He has stated that securing research funding for AGI was "almost impossible" at the time, implying this difficulty as a motivating factor for his engagement with Epstein.

Goertzel has consistently maintained that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities. However, the unearthed correspondence underscores how Epstein was able to maintain connections within elite academic and scientific circles, even after his initial conviction for sex offenses.

Expert and Public Reaction

The revelation of these ties has prompted discussions about the ethical considerations of accepting funding from controversial sources, especially within the scientific community. While Goertzel's contributions to AI research are acknowledged, the association with Epstein raises questions about due diligence and the potential for reputational damage.

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Emails show 'Godfather of AGI' Ben Goertzel courted Epstein for funding and congratulated him on jail release - 3

The nature of Goertzel's justifications for the association, particularly the 2015 email regarding consent, has also become a focal point for critical analysis.

Evidence and Findings

  • Financial Support: Emails and documents confirm Jeffrey Epstein provided financial backing to Ben Goertzel's AI initiatives, specifically OpenCog.

  • Government Grants: Epstein's involvement helped Goertzel secure approximately HK$8.9 million (US$1.13 million) in Hong Kong government grants for AI research between 2010 and 2016.

  • Awareness of Charges: Emails suggest Goertzel was aware of Epstein's criminal charges and sought meetings with him.

  • Goertzel's Statements: Goertzel has expressed regret over the association but stated ignorance of Epstein's crimes.

  • Justification of Association: A 2015 email from Goertzel to Epstein offers a perspective on the allegations against Epstein, which Goertzel has since been asked to clarify.

  • No Link to Crimes: Crucially, there is no evidence presented that directly implicates Ben Goertzel in Jeffrey Epstein's illegal activities.

Unanswered Questions and Future Implications

The unearthed communications present a complex picture of scientific ambition intersecting with controversial financial networks. Key areas requiring further scrutiny include:

  • The full extent of Goertzel's knowledge regarding Epstein's illicit operations.

  • The specific mechanisms through which Epstein influenced the allocation of Hong Kong government grants.

  • The broader implications for funding structures within cutting-edge scientific research.

The ongoing examination of the Epstein files may yield further details regarding this relationship and its wider impact on the fields of AI and academic research.

Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What new information links Ben Goertzel to Jeffrey Epstein?
Leaked emails show AI researcher Ben Goertzel sought and received money from Jeffrey Epstein for his AI projects and got help getting Hong Kong government grants.
Q: How much money did Ben Goertzel receive from Jeffrey Epstein?
Emails suggest Jeffrey Epstein gave at least US$113,000 to Ben Goertzel's projects between 2010 and 2015, mainly through the Humanity+ organization.
Q: How did Jeffrey Epstein help Ben Goertzel get Hong Kong grants?
Documents show Epstein helped Goertzel secure about HK$8.9 million (US$1.13 million) in government funding for AI research in Hong Kong.
Q: What has Ben Goertzel said about his connection to Epstein?
Ben Goertzel has said he regrets his association with Epstein and accepting his money, stating that finding funding for AI research was very hard at the time.
Q: Is Ben Goertzel accused of any crimes related to Epstein?
No, there is no evidence showing Ben Goertzel was involved in Jeffrey Epstein's illegal activities.
Q: What was Goertzel's view on Epstein's charges in a 2015 email?
In a 2015 email, Goertzel wrote that accusations against Epstein could have been an event between consenting adults, which he later expressed regret for. He also appeared to congratulate Epstein on his release from jail.