Who is Gino Yu in the Epstein files?

Gino Yu is a retired Associate Professor from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University who specialized in consciousness studies, digital entertainment, and game development. He earned his PhD from UC Berkeley and later founded the Asia Consciousness Festival. The Epstein files reveal that Yu maintained a close personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein from 2015 until Epstein's arrest in July 2019. The documents show over 500 emails exchanged between them, frequent in-person meetings at Epstein's New York residence, and Yu referring to Epstein as his 'benefactor.' Yu was introduced to Epstein around 2013 by AI researcher Ben Goertzel, who had previously received funding from Epstein.

What role did Gino Yu play in Epstein's intellectual network?

Yu served as a key connector between Epstein and the consciousness research community. The documents show him arranging introductions and meetings between Epstein and prominent researchers including Joscha Bach (an AI and cognitive science researcher), Stuart Hameroff (a consciousness theorist from the University of Arizona), Peter Fenwick (a British neuropsychiatrist), and Ken Jordan (a media theorist). Yu would coordinate these meetings through Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff, often scheduling back-to-back appointments at Epstein's New York townhouse. He also forwarded Epstein research materials on topics such as Chinese fintech and facilitated connections with Hong Kong-based academics and business contacts.

What was the controversial 2018 email from Gino Yu to Epstein?

After the Epstein files were released publicly, a January 2018 email from Yu to Epstein drew significant media attention and public concern. In the email, Yu discussed an individual who had experienced trauma and was reportedly developing 'special abilities,' describing them as a 'classic stage 3' in a developmental model. Yu offered to arrange a meeting between this person and Epstein in New York. The email's language — linking childhood trauma to extraordinary abilities — alarmed observers given Epstein's known history of sexual abuse. Yu has not publicly responded to media inquiries about this correspondence.

How often did Gino Yu meet with Jeffrey Epstein?

The documents reveal frequent meetings between Yu and Epstein, primarily at Epstein's New York townhouse at 9 East 71st Street. Epstein's detailed daily schedules show Yu visiting on numerous occasions between 2015 and 2018, sometimes with multiple appointments on the same day or bringing guests along. For example, in August 2016 alone, Yu had at least two scheduled visits — one where he brought friends Ken Jordan and 'Bear,' followed by a one-on-one meeting. Scheduling was typically coordinated through Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff, who communicated regularly with Yu to arrange times.

Who is Gino Yu in the Epstein files?

Gino Yu is a retired Associate Professor from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University who specialized in consciousness studies, digital entertainment, and game development. He earned his PhD from UC Berkeley and later founded the Asia Consciousness Festival. The Epstein files reveal that Yu maintained a close personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein from 2015 until Epstein's arrest in July 2019. The documents show over 500 emails exchanged between them, frequent in-person meetings at Epstein's New York residence, and Yu referring to Epstein as his 'benefactor.' Yu was introduced to Epstein around 2013 by AI researcher Ben Goertzel, who had previously received funding from Epstein.

What role did Gino Yu play in Epstein's intellectual network?

Yu served as a key connector between Epstein and the consciousness research community. The documents show him arranging introductions and meetings between Epstein and prominent researchers including Joscha Bach (an AI and cognitive science researcher), Stuart Hameroff (a consciousness theorist from the University of Arizona), Peter Fenwick (a British neuropsychiatrist), and Ken Jordan (a media theorist). Yu would coordinate these meetings through Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff, often scheduling back-to-back appointments at Epstein's New York townhouse. He also forwarded Epstein research materials on topics such as Chinese fintech and facilitated connections with Hong Kong-based academics and business contacts.

What was the controversial 2018 email from Gino Yu to Epstein?

After the Epstein files were released publicly, a January 2018 email from Yu to Epstein drew significant media attention and public concern. In the email, Yu discussed an individual who had experienced trauma and was reportedly developing 'special abilities,' describing them as a 'classic stage 3' in a developmental model. Yu offered to arrange a meeting between this person and Epstein in New York. The email's language — linking childhood trauma to extraordinary abilities — alarmed observers given Epstein's known history of sexual abuse. Yu has not publicly responded to media inquiries about this correspondence.

How often did Gino Yu meet with Jeffrey Epstein?

The documents reveal frequent meetings between Yu and Epstein, primarily at Epstein's New York townhouse at 9 East 71st Street. Epstein's detailed daily schedules show Yu visiting on numerous occasions between 2015 and 2018, sometimes with multiple appointments on the same day or bringing guests along. For example, in August 2016 alone, Yu had at least two scheduled visits — one where he brought friends Ken Jordan and 'Bear,' followed by a one-on-one meeting. Scheduling was typically coordinated through Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff, who communicated regularly with Yu to arrange times.

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Gino Yu

Person

610

Total Mentions

610

Documents

1,272

Connected Entities

Retired associate professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, researcher on consciousness and digital media

Gino Yu, a retired Hong Kong Polytechnic University professor specializing in consciousness research, maintained a close and sustained relationship with Jeffrey Epstein from 2015 until Epstein's arrest in 2019, exchanging over 500 emails, meeting regularly in New York, and referring to Epstein as his 'benefactor.'

Yu appears extensively in personal correspondence with Epstein and in Epstein's detailed daily schedules. The documents show direct emails between Yu and Epstein discussing meetings, introductions to researchers and contacts, and forwarding research materials on topics like Chinese fintech. Yu is also seen coordinating with Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff to arrange in-person visits at Epstein's 9 East 71st Street residence, and introducing people from his academic network — including consciousness researchers like Joscha Bach, Stuart Hameroff, and contacts such as Ken Jordan and Peter Fenwick — to Epstein.

Key Highlights

•Exchanged over 500 emails with Epstein between 2015 and 2019 and referred to Epstein as his 'benefactor'
•Regularly visited Epstein at his New York townhouse and coordinated meetings through assistant Lesley Groff
•Served as a conduit between Epstein and the consciousness research community, introducing figures like Joscha Bach, Stuart Hameroff, Peter Fenwick, and Ken Jordan
•Was originally introduced to Epstein around 2013 by AI researcher Ben Goertzel, who had received funding from Epstein
•A 2018 email from Yu to Epstein discussed a traumatized individual developing 'special abilities,' drawing public concern after the files were released
•Forwarded Epstein research on Chinese fintech ownership and sent introductions connecting Epstein to Hong Kong-based academics and business contacts

Frequently Asked Questions

Books for Further Reading

Rick

George (Scholastic Gold)

Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story

Julie K. Brown

Investigative journalism that broke the Epstein case open

Document Mentions (20 of 610)

HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_026041 - HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_026046

Source: House Oversight Committee

1 mention

From: Gino Yu Sent: 12/17/2016 12:35:06 PM To: jeffrey E. [[email protected]] Subject: Re: Schulte Research: Deep dives into PRC fin tech ownership and Trump

Page: HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_026041 →

EFTA00285111.pdf

EFTA00285111

1 mention

with his wife Reminder to have her hair cut at 10am 7:30am BREAKFAST w/Joi Ito ) 9:15am BREAKFAST w/Leon Black ) 11:00am Appt w/Joscha Bach and Gino Yu (Joscha: 12:00pm Appt w/Joe Pagano a) EFTA00285111 2:00pm Appt w, 2:00pm Phone Date w/Phil West ) 2:45pm Appt w/Bronson Van Wyck and 3:00pm Cal

EFTA00285196.pdf

EFTA00285196

1 mention

t #103 (Rec. Reminder Jojo or Leo to pick up Anna Lang in PA and drive her and 2 friends to NY 6:50am Depart LSJ 10:33am Arrive NY 12:00pm Appt w/Gino Yu and his 2 friends (Ken Jordan and Bear) 1:00pm Appt w/Gino Yu 3:15pm Appt 3:30pm Phone Date w/Aziza Sat. Aug. 6, 2016 NY-Bedford-NY 9:58am Depar

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EFTA00318618.pdf

EFTA00318618

1 mention

as suggesting Jeffrey's place but I do not know where that is. Looking forward to hearing from you. Best wishes, Peter Original Message From: Gino Yu [mailto: Sent: 14 September 2016 16:19 To: Ray F. Lee < >; PETER FENWICK E. [email protected]> Subject: Intros and setting up a meeting Oct 3

EFTA00318616.pdf

EFTA00318616

1 mention

as suggesting Jeffrey's place but I do not know where that is. Looking forward to hearing from you. Best wishes, Peter Original Message From: Gino Yu [mailto: Sent: 14 September 2016 16:19 To: Ray F. Lee >; PETER FENWICK Subject: Intros and setting up a meeting Oct 3-4 >; jeffrey E. Hi Jeffre

EFTA00319653.pdf

EFTA00319653

1 mention

e001.gif; image003.jpg 2 occlok Forwarded message From: Andrew Link Date: Tue, Sep 6, 2016 at 11:32 AM Subject: RE: Re: To: "jeffrey E." Cc: Gino Yu My dad's phone is Andrew Max Link CEO From: Jeffrey E. [ma ilto. Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 10:05 AM To: Andrew Link < Subject: Re: "It

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EFTA00319923.pdf

EFTA00319923

1 mention

From: "jeffrey E." <[email protected]> To: Lesley Groff Subject: Fwd: Date: Sun, 28 Aug 2016 20:31:51 +0000 Forwarded message From: Gino Yu Date: Sun, Aug 28, 2016 at 11:52 AM Subject: Re: To: "jeffrey E." <[email protected]> Wonderful. Just landed in Hk. Max's dad can meet on the

EFTA00321205.pdf

EFTA00321205

1 mention

From: Ken Jordan <MI > To: Gino Yu 4 ›, Jeffrey Epstein <[email protected]> Cc: Susan Walker •cl , Lesley Groff <I Subject: Re: Intros Date: Wed, 10 Aug 2016 22:26:37 +0000 H

EFTA00321275.pdf

EFTA00321275

1 mention

016 at 5:56 PM, > wrote: ICAryna is asking for your schedule. Is it ok for me to send to her? Friday Aug 5 TBD Depart LSJ TBD Arrive NY 12:00pm Gino Yu 1:00pm Gino's friends to join 3:00pm Sat Aug 6 TBD Depart NY TBD Arrive Bedford 11:30am Martin and Joi 3:00pm Noam Chomsky and Stephen Wolfram

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EFTA00321292.pdf

EFTA00321292

1 mention

symuz.o0yxq4xqA.vqqsymux.o0y@calendar- serverbounces.google.com Subject: I will be out of the office Jul 30-Au . 7 Re: Notification: 12:00 appt with Gino Yu @ Fri Aug 5, 2016 1pm - 2pm Date: Fri, 05 Aug 2016 16:49:49 +0000 I will be out of the office July 30-Au . 7. In my absence please email Daphne at

EFTA00325870.pdf

EFTA00325870

1 mention

From: Lesley Groff <a To: Gino Yu Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein- Apartment Date: Tue, 03 May 2016 19:42:11 +0000 Good Question! I don't really think so, but will let him know you ar

EFTA00335698.pdf

EFTA00335698

1 mention

m: "Jeffrey E." <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Intros Date: October 31, 2015 at 5:22:29 AM EDT To: M=MMIMI ) Forwarded message From: Gino Yu .4 Date: Sat, Oct 31, 2015 at 2:19 AM Subject: Intros To: "jeffrey E." <[email protected]>, "George G. Mueller" Hi Jeffrey, I'd like to intr

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EFTA00348252.pdf

EFTA00348252

1 mention

ate: Tue, 05 May 2015 15:46:23 +0000 Yes On Tuesday, May 5, 2015, > wrote: Joscha Bach will come see you tomorrow at Ilam...he wanted you to know Gino Yu (Ben Goertzel's host professor from Hong Kong) asks if you would like to see him, too...would you like Gino Yu to come as well? Wed. May 6, 2015 NY

EFTA00348257.pdf

EFTA00348257

1 mention

From: To: Jeffrey Epstein <[email protected]> Cc: Lyn fontanilla Jojo Fontanilla merwin deli cruz Subject: Re: Joscha Bach AND Gino Yu Date: Tue, 05 May 2015 16:13:01 +0000 Gino Yu will come along with Joscha Bach tomorrow at 11 am On May 5, 2015, at 11:46 AM, jeffrey E. <jeevacat

EFTA00437683.pdf

EFTA00437683

1 mention

From: Gino Yu To: "jeffrey E." [email protected]>, Lesley Groff Cc: James Tagg "Hameroff, Stuart R - (hameroff)" Subject: Fwd: Robot Heart Halloween - FINA

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EFTA00437739.pdf

EFTA00437739

1 mention

[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Date: October 23, 2016 at 11:08:11 AM EDT To: Lesley Groff < Karyna Shuliak Forwarded message From: Gino Yu .4 Date: Sun, Oct 23, 2016 at 11:06 AM Subject: Re: To: "jeffrey E." <[email protected]> Ok. Can I get their names and emails? Can we spend t

EFTA00437746.pdf

EFTA00437746

1 mention

From: Lesley Groff <MINIII > To: Gino Yu <a> Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2016 00:53:48 +0000 Sure. Let me get back to you on this.... On another note, there has been so

EFTA00437741.pdf

EFTA00437741

1 mention

From: To: Gino Yu Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2016 21:15:42 +0000 Hi Gino...could you come see Jeffrey at 4pm on Thursday Oc. 27th? 9 East 71st

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EFTA00437771.pdf

EFTA00437771

1 mention

Wed. Oct 26, 2016 LSJ-NY Reminder Leo off Oct 26-28 TBD Depart LSJ (Morning.) TBD Arrive NY 1:00pm LUNCH w/Terje TBD Leon Black 4:00pm Appt iv/Gino Yu 5:00pm Appt 7:00pm Dinner w/Woody and Soon Jr (== EFTA00437771

HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_026036 - HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_026040

Source: House Oversight Committee

1 mention

From: Gino Yu as Sent: 12/17/2016 2:43:49 AM To: jeffrey E. [[email protected]] Subject: Fwd: Schulte Research: Deep dives into PRC fin tech ownership and Tru

Page: HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_026036 →

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Connected Entities(20 of 1,272)

Jeffrey Epstein