San Francisco Investor Masha Bucher Praised 'Amazing' Epstein in Private Emails

New files show Bucher helped convicted sex offender with publicity and networking despite his public disgrace.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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New releases from the Epstein files reveal that Masha Bucher, a San Francisco venture capitalist, had a close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Bucher, who used to go by the surname Drokova, helped Epstein with publicity and networking, and the two exchanged compliments and gifts over several years, even after Epstein's 2018 public disgrace.

Why it matters

Bucher's relationship with Epstein raises questions about the connections between powerful figures and those accused of serious crimes, even after their misdeeds become public. As the head of a prominent San Francisco venture capital firm, Bucher's association with Epstein could impact public trust and scrutiny of her business dealings.

The details

The new Epstein files show that Bucher and Epstein's correspondence spanned from mid-2017 until shortly before his 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges. Bucher gave Epstein advice about using social media and arranged meetings between him and journalists. Their relationship deepened over time, with Bucher repeatedly meeting Epstein in person and heaping him with compliments. In return, Epstein gave Bucher money and a Prada bag, and at one point asked her for nude photos.

  • In May 2017, an Epstein contact described Bucher as a 'wonder lady' and said she would be 'delighted' to speak with Epstein.
  • In June 2019, Epstein asked Bucher for nude photos during a Skype conversation, and he was arrested less than two weeks later.

The players

Masha Bucher

A San Francisco venture capitalist who used to go by the surname Drokova, Bucher had a close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, helping him with publicity and networking.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who was arrested in 2019 on sex trafficking charges.

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What they’re saying

“I met him, and he asked me, 'I need connections with the media.' I introduced him to some people. I dig deeper. Oh f—k, it's a very bad story.”

— Masha Bucher (SFGATE)

“Your friend alleza told me about the project she is doing researching a really bad guy that gets chldren for sex sent to his island... she almost fainted when i told her that person is me.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (SFGATE)

The takeaway

This case highlights the troubling connections between powerful figures and those accused of serious crimes, even after their misdeeds become public. As the head of a prominent San Francisco venture capital firm, Bucher's association with Epstein could impact public trust and scrutiny of her business dealings.