XRT
State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF
stock NYSE ETF

Hey r/Superstonk, building on the discussion from the previous thread, I've merged all the key intel from the Epstein file drops (partial Dec 2025 release and the massive Jan 30, 2026 dump) into this one comprehensive post. This rabbit hole connects SEC whistleblower Chris DiIorio's claims on financial fraud to Epstein's alleged "infinite means" empire, with threads weaving through naked shorting schemes that echo GameStop's saga. No direct Epstein-GME bombshell, but the overlaps in market manipulation, slush funds, OTC shell games, and short-selling networks are substantiated in docs, emails, and X chatter. I've included real excerpts, links (DOJ sites require age verification), and how this ties into GME's price action over the years.
Data for stock history pulled from sources like Yahoo Finance, Macrotrends, and Polygon aggregates (as of Jan 31, 2026 close). Prices are split-adjusted (4:1 split in Jul 2022). Citations from searches included inline for transparency. Let's break it down.
# Who is Chris DiIorio?
* Self-described whistleblower who lost big (\~$1M) on penny stocks like [Overstock.com](http://Overstock.com) in the early 2010s, sparking a decade-long crusade against market fraud.
* Filed multiple TCRs (Tips, Complaints, Referrals) with the SEC, accusing firms like Knight Capital Group (KCG, now Virtu Financial – VIRT), NITE, CDEL of abusive naked short selling, accounting fraud, and money laundering via OTC shells.
* His claims land in Epstein files because he linked these schemes to Epstein's network: extortion, Ponzi ops, and slush funds. Claims Epstein used similar tactics – hiding assets in shells, overvaluing "receivables" from naked shorts as fake assets.
* Key quote from SEC comment (Oct 2018): "The OTCM exists for 1 reason: abusive naked shorting publicly traded shells to facilitate money laundering... NITE/VIRT, CDEL, the OTC equity shell market exist for 1 purpose: Abusive naked shorting publicly traded shells to facilitate money laundering."
# Connections to Epstein Slush Funds & Financial Fraud
* Dec 2025 release (DataSet 8): DiIorio's DOJ emails tie Epstein to an "extortion/Ponzi/Slush Fund." Excerpt from EFTA00009904.pdf: "The SEC has known for years that Epstein is running a extortion/Ponzi/Slush Fund... Financial fraud appears to be a specialty of this recently indicted individual." (Link: [https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00009904.pdf](https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00009904.pdf))
* Connects Epstein to Apollo Global Management (Leon Black paid Epstein $158M for "advice" post-conviction) via slush funds. From EFTA00011051.pdf: "Fw: Apollo/ Epstein connection... Leon Black/ Apollo/Schwarzman: Epstein Black/Apollo/Schwarzman." (Link: [https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00011051.pdf](https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00011051.pdf))
* Slush fund mechanics: Booking naked short fails as "receivables" (fake assets) for accounting fraud and laundering. Mirrors DiIorio's VIRT/NITE claims – overpaying for insolvent firms to hide naked short liabilities.
* EFTA00010724.pdf: DiIorio maps Epstein's offshore web, including Alpha Capital Anstalt (Liechtenstein money laundering shell) and imaging/shipping frauds. (Link: [https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00010724.pdf](https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00010724.pdf) – mentioned in related threads)
* Jan 30, 2026 drop (DataSet 9): More rants, e.g., EFTA00071487.pdf blasting SEC for ignoring GameStop-style pink sheet manipulations. (Link: [https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA00071487.pdf](https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA00071487.pdf) – access issues noted)
* Other files like EFTA00010750.pdf and EFTA00010767.pdf include DiIorio's emails on SEC obstruction and broader fraud.
# GameStop Info in the Releases & Ties to the Fraud
* GME isn't Epstein's main focus, but DiIorio uses it as a prime example of VIRT (Doug Cifu's firm) abusing shorts in retail/meme stocks – creating counterfeit shares via OTC to exit without buying back.
* In SEC tips, GME flagged as "abuse of pink sheet stocks" – akin to 2021 squeeze where naked shorts allegedly ran rampant. SEC accused of ignoring Reg SHO (Rule 204), letting firms book fails as assets.
* Epstein overlaps: Anson Funds (Toronto) accused of GME shorting via ETF XRT borrows from Toronto Pension Fund. TD Bank (took Epstein post-JPM debanking) laundered billions for cartels – slush fund hub. Bronfman family's Mega Group (Toronto) linked to Epstein extortion.
* Counterfeit OTC exits: Firms pump shells (e.g., Greek shipping like NewLead Holdings, FreeSeas) with undelivered shares, laundering via NITE/VIRT. Quote: "A naked short fail can be booked as a receivable. An 'asset'. Complete fraud as there is no intention of ever delivering." Echoes GME with BBBYQ – offshore hides in Canada/Caymans/Austria/Mexico for counterfeit shares.
* Graftech fraud (EFTA00027528.pdf & EFTA00011051.pdf): Balance sheet scams in graphite plays, linked to Epstein-style Ponzis.
# Other Fraud Ties & Companies Involved
* Key players: VIRT (overpaying for NITE to hide naked short insolvency), Alpha Capital Anstalt (laundering shell), Dawson James, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, Asher, AGS, Buckman Reid.
* OTC strategy: Shells like Colorado Goldfields (CGFIA), Mass Hysteria (MHYS), IDO Securities (IDOI) go dark post-shorting – no delivery, pure fraud/laundering.
* Epstein amp-up: Slush funds funded ops, ties to cartels (TD Bank).
# Tying It All to GameStop's Stock Price History & Events
Epstein/DiIorio links highlight how slush funds (via TD, JPM, Apollo/Melvin) allegedly enabled endless shorting – booking fails as "assets" to hide liabilities. Here's the chronological breakdown with price milestones, events, and theory fits.
# 2020: The Setup – Low Prices, High Shorts, Pandemic Hammer
* **Price Range**: Low $0.64 (Apr 3), High $5.25, Mean \~$1.79. Year-end close: $4.71 (+210% YOY, but dirt cheap).
* **Key Events**:
* Mar-Apr: COVID lockdowns crush retail; GME reports dismal earnings (Dec 8: misses estimates, shares tank).
* Aug 31: Closes at $6.68 (pre-split).
* Dec: More earnings misses; short interest balloons.
* **Theory Tie-In**: Low prices engineered by abusive naked shorts via VIRT/Knight, booking undelivered shares as "receivables" for fraud. Epstein's TD Bank network allegedly laundered schemes for cartels/oligarchs, funding endless shorts. High short interest sets up squeezes if retail engages.
# 2021: The Legendary Squeeze – From Pennies to Moon, Hedge Funds Bleed
* **Price Range**: Low $4.31, High $86.88 (close Jan 27; intraday \~$120.75 adj. on Jan 28), Mean \~$42.43. Year-end: $37.10 (+688% YOY).
* **Key Events & Wild Swings** (>50% daily changes):
* Jan 11: Appoints Ryan Cohen & e-com vets to board; shares surge.
* Jan 13: +57% to $7.85.
* Jan 21: Citron Research shorts it; closes $43.03.
* Jan 22: +51% to $16.25.
* Jan 26: +93% to $37.00.
* Jan 27: +135% to $86.88 (all-time high close).
* Jan 29: +68% to $81.25, then Feb 2: -60% to $22.50.
* Feb 24: +104% to $22.93.
* Mar 25: +53% to $45.94.
* Robinhood halts buys (Jan 28), sparking outrage/lawsuits.
* Melvin Capital (short GME) loses 53%, gets $2.75B bailout from Citadel/Point72.
* **Theory Tie-In**: Poster child for DiIorio's naked short fraud. Shorts (e.g., Melvin with Epstein-linked Jes Staley/Barclays ties) used counterfeit shares to suppress. Squeeze forced covers, but many "exited" via OTC shells (e.g., NewLead) without delivery, hidden in offshore slush funds (Caymans/Canada/Austria). Apollo/Black connection: Highbridge (JPM/Epstein) shorted hard. Volatility = manipulation.
# 2022: Post-Squeeze Hangover, Split, & NFT Push
* **Price Range**: Low $17.92, High $47.40, Mean \~$29.64. Year-end: $18.46 (-50% YOY).
* **Key Events**:
* Jul 21: 4:1 stock split (prices adjusted backward).
* NFT marketplace launch (Jun), but crypto winter hits.
* Earnings misses; store closures accelerate.
* **Theory Tie-In**: Suppression post-squeeze? DiIorio calls out SEC/FINRA ignoring Reg SHO, allowing VIRT re-shorts via ETF borrows (XRT from Toronto pensions – TD/Epstein link). Slush funds fund this, no real covers – explains "dropped" short interest amid lingering volatility.
# 2023: Steady Decline, Cohen Takes Helm
* **Price Range**: Low $11.91, High $26.95, Mean \~$19.22. Year-end: $17.53 (-5% YOY).
* **Key Events**:
* Jun: Ryan Cohen becomes CEO.
* Earnings: Q4 beat (Mar), but revenues slide.
* **Theory Tie-In**: Low volatility masks fraud? DiIorio's OTC shells (e.g., MHYS going dark) show how shorts "exit" without buybacks, laundered via Epstein Ponzis.
# 2024: Mini-Squeezes Return
* **Price Range**: Low $10.01, High $48.75, Mean \~$20.78. Year-end: $31.34 (+79% YOY).
* **Key Events & Swings**:
* May 13: +74% to $30.45.
* May 14: +60% to $48.75.
* Jun 7: Earnings surprise; intraday crash.
* Store closures, margin pressures.
* **Theory Tie-In**: Spikes reveal unresolved naked shorts? Anson Funds (Toronto, Epstein/Mega Group ties) accused of GME shorts via pensions. DiIorio: Failed covers, liabilities hidden in shells like BBBYQ.
# 2025: Volatility Persists, Closures & CEO Comp Drama
* **Price Range**: Low $19.94, High $35.01, Mean \~$24.75. Year-end: $20.08 (-36% YOY).
* **Key Events**:
* Earnings: Q4 beat ($0.30 vs $0.09 est), but sales down.
* May 28: 52-wk high $35.81.
* Nov 20: 52-wk low $19.93.
* CEO pay package controversy (Jan 2026 options activity).
* **Theory Tie-In**: Dips despite beats suggest suppression via fraud (DiIorio: VIRT overpaying to bury shorts). Epstein slush funds as "infinite means" keeping pressure.
# 2026 YTD: Choppy Waters, Latest Close $23.88
* **Price Range (Jan)**: Low $20.62, High $24.21, Mean \~$21.94. Current (Jan 31): $23.88 (+3.68% intraday from $22.81 prior).
* **Key Events**:
* Jan: Option activity spikes (e.g., Jan 20/21 noteworthy).
* Ongoing store closures (2026 announcements weigh on sentiment).
* Upcoming Q4 2025 earnings (Mar 31 est $0.29).
* **Theory Tie-In**: Stable yet volatile? DiIorio's Epstein files expose slush funds/Ponzis enabling perpetual shorts. Unresolved naked positions (offshore hides) explain GME's resilience despite retail challenges – holders vs. trapped shorts.
# TL;DR & Why It Matters
DiIorio's docs in Epstein files reveal how extortion/slush funds allegedly fueled Wall Street's naked short playbook, with GME as a victim. Systemic corruption: no SEC enforcement = retail destruction. If true, this ties financial schemes to market rigging.

Hey r/Superstonk, building on the discussion from the previous thread, I've merged all the key intel from the Epstein file drops (partial Dec 2025 release and the massive Jan 30, 2026 dump) into this one comprehensive post. This rabbit hole connects SEC whistleblower Chris DiIorio's claims on financial fraud to Epstein's alleged "infinite means" empire, with threads weaving through naked shorting schemes that echo GameStop's saga. No direct Epstein-GME bombshell, but the overlaps in market manipulation, slush funds, OTC shell games, and short-selling networks are substantiated in docs, emails, and X chatter. I've included real excerpts, links (DOJ sites require age verification), and how this ties into GME's price action over the years.
Data for stock history pulled from sources like Yahoo Finance, Macrotrends, and Polygon aggregates (as of Jan 31, 2026 close). Prices are split-adjusted (4:1 split in Jul 2022). Citations from searches included inline for transparency. Let's break it down.
# Who is Chris DiIorio?
* Self-described whistleblower who lost big (\~$1M) on penny stocks like [Overstock.com](http://Overstock.com) in the early 2010s, sparking a decade-long crusade against market fraud.
* Filed multiple TCRs (Tips, Complaints, Referrals) with the SEC, accusing firms like Knight Capital Group (KCG, now Virtu Financial – VIRT), NITE, CDEL of abusive naked short selling, accounting fraud, and money laundering via OTC shells.
* His claims land in Epstein files because he linked these schemes to Epstein's network: extortion, Ponzi ops, and slush funds. Claims Epstein used similar tactics – hiding assets in shells, overvaluing "receivables" from naked shorts as fake assets.
* Key quote from SEC comment (Oct 2018): "The OTCM exists for 1 reason: abusive naked shorting publicly traded shells to facilitate money laundering... NITE/VIRT, CDEL, the OTC equity shell market exist for 1 purpose: Abusive naked shorting publicly traded shells to facilitate money laundering."
# Connections to Epstein Slush Funds & Financial Fraud
* Dec 2025 release (DataSet 8): DiIorio's DOJ emails tie Epstein to an "extortion/Ponzi/Slush Fund." Excerpt from EFTA00009904.pdf: "The SEC has known for years that Epstein is running a extortion/Ponzi/Slush Fund... Financial fraud appears to be a specialty of this recently indicted individual." (Link: [https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00009904.pdf](https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00009904.pdf))
* Connects Epstein to Apollo Global Management (Leon Black paid Epstein $158M for "advice" post-conviction) via slush funds. From EFTA00011051.pdf: "Fw: Apollo/ Epstein connection... Leon Black/ Apollo/Schwarzman: Epstein Black/Apollo/Schwarzman." (Link: [https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00011051.pdf](https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00011051.pdf))
* Slush fund mechanics: Booking naked short fails as "receivables" (fake assets) for accounting fraud and laundering. Mirrors DiIorio's VIRT/NITE claims – overpaying for insolvent firms to hide naked short liabilities.
* EFTA00010724.pdf: DiIorio maps Epstein's offshore web, including Alpha Capital Anstalt (Liechtenstein money laundering shell) and imaging/shipping frauds. (Link: [https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00010724.pdf](https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%208/EFTA00010724.pdf) – mentioned in related threads)
* Jan 30, 2026 drop (DataSet 9): More rants, e.g., EFTA00071487.pdf blasting SEC for ignoring GameStop-style pink sheet manipulations. (Link: [https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA00071487.pdf](https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA00071487.pdf) – access issues noted)
* Other files like EFTA00010750.pdf and EFTA00010767.pdf include DiIorio's emails on SEC obstruction and broader fraud.
# GameStop Info in the Releases & Ties to the Fraud
* GME isn't Epstein's main focus, but DiIorio uses it as a prime example of VIRT (Doug Cifu's firm) abusing shorts in retail/meme stocks – creating counterfeit shares via OTC to exit without buying back.
* In SEC tips, GME flagged as "abuse of pink sheet stocks" – akin to 2021 squeeze where naked shorts allegedly ran rampant. SEC accused of ignoring Reg SHO (Rule 204), letting firms book fails as assets.
* Epstein overlaps: Anson Funds (Toronto) accused of GME shorting via ETF XRT borrows from Toronto Pension Fund. TD Bank (took Epstein post-JPM debanking) laundered billions for cartels – slush fund hub. Bronfman family's Mega Group (Toronto) linked to Epstein extortion.
* Counterfeit OTC exits: Firms pump shells (e.g., Greek shipping like NewLead Holdings, FreeSeas) with undelivered shares, laundering via NITE/VIRT. Quote: "A naked short fail can be booked as a receivable. An 'asset'. Complete fraud as there is no intention of ever delivering." Echoes GME with BBBYQ – offshore hides in Canada/Caymans/Austria/Mexico for counterfeit shares.
* Graftech fraud (EFTA00027528.pdf & EFTA00011051.pdf): Balance sheet scams in graphite plays, linked to Epstein-style Ponzis.
# Other Fraud Ties & Companies Involved
* Key players: VIRT (overpaying for NITE to hide naked short insolvency), Alpha Capital Anstalt (laundering shell), Dawson James, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, Asher, AGS, Buckman Reid.
* OTC strategy: Shells like Colorado Goldfields (CGFIA), Mass Hysteria (MHYS), IDO Securities (IDOI) go dark post-shorting – no delivery, pure fraud/laundering.
* Epstein amp-up: Slush funds funded ops, ties to cartels (TD Bank).
# Tying It All to GameStop's Stock Price History & Events
Epstein/DiIorio links highlight how slush funds (via TD, JPM, Apollo/Melvin) allegedly enabled endless shorting – booking fails as "assets" to hide liabilities. Here's the chronological breakdown with price milestones, events, and theory fits.
# 2020: The Setup – Low Prices, High Shorts, Pandemic Hammer
* **Price Range**: Low $0.64 (Apr 3), High $5.25, Mean \~$1.79. Year-end close: $4.71 (+210% YOY, but dirt cheap).
* **Key Events**:
* Mar-Apr: COVID lockdowns crush retail; GME reports dismal earnings (Dec 8: misses estimates, shares tank).
* Aug 31: Closes at $6.68 (pre-split).
* Dec: More earnings misses; short interest balloons.
* **Theory Tie-In**: Low prices engineered by abusive naked shorts via VIRT/Knight, booking undelivered shares as "receivables" for fraud. Epstein's TD Bank network allegedly laundered schemes for cartels/oligarchs, funding endless shorts. High short interest sets up squeezes if retail engages.
# 2021: The Legendary Squeeze – From Pennies to Moon, Hedge Funds Bleed
* **Price Range**: Low $4.31, High $86.88 (close Jan 27; intraday \~$120.75 adj. on Jan 28), Mean \~$42.43. Year-end: $37.10 (+688% YOY).
* **Key Events & Wild Swings** (>50% daily changes):
* Jan 11: Appoints Ryan Cohen & e-com vets to board; shares surge.
* Jan 13: +57% to $7.85.
* Jan 21: Citron Research shorts it; closes $43.03.
* Jan 22: +51% to $16.25.
* Jan 26: +93% to $37.00.
* Jan 27: +135% to $86.88 (all-time high close).
* Jan 29: +68% to $81.25, then Feb 2: -60% to $22.50.
* Feb 24: +104% to $22.93.
* Mar 25: +53% to $45.94.
* Robinhood halts buys (Jan 28), sparking outrage/lawsuits.
* Melvin Capital (short GME) loses 53%, gets $2.75B bailout from Citadel/Point72.
* **Theory Tie-In**: Poster child for DiIorio's naked short fraud. Shorts (e.g., Melvin with Epstein-linked Jes Staley/Barclays ties) used counterfeit shares to suppress. Squeeze forced covers, but many "exited" via OTC shells (e.g., NewLead) without delivery, hidden in offshore slush funds (Caymans/Canada/Austria). Apollo/Black connection: Highbridge (JPM/Epstein) shorted hard. Volatility = manipulation.
# 2022: Post-Squeeze Hangover, Split, & NFT Push
* **Price Range**: Low $17.92, High $47.40, Mean \~$29.64. Year-end: $18.46 (-50% YOY).
* **Key Events**:
* Jul 21: 4:1 stock split (prices adjusted backward).
* NFT marketplace launch (Jun), but crypto winter hits.
* Earnings misses; store closures accelerate.
* **Theory Tie-In**: Suppression post-squeeze? DiIorio calls out SEC/FINRA ignoring Reg SHO, allowing VIRT re-shorts via ETF borrows (XRT from Toronto pensions – TD/Epstein link). Slush funds fund this, no real covers – explains "dropped" short interest amid lingering volatility.
# 2023: Steady Decline, Cohen Takes Helm
* **Price Range**: Low $11.91, High $26.95, Mean \~$19.22. Year-end: $17.53 (-5% YOY).
* **Key Events**:
* Jun: Ryan Cohen becomes CEO.
* Earnings: Q4 beat (Mar), but revenues slide.
* **Theory Tie-In**: Low volatility masks fraud? DiIorio's OTC shells (e.g., MHYS going dark) show how shorts "exit" without buybacks, laundered via Epstein Ponzis.
# 2024: Mini-Squeezes Return
* **Price Range**: Low $10.01, High $48.75, Mean \~$20.78. Year-end: $31.34 (+79% YOY).
* **Key Events & Swings**:
* May 13: +74% to $30.45.
* May 14: +60% to $48.75.
* Jun 7: Earnings surprise; intraday crash.
* Store closures, margin pressures.
* **Theory Tie-In**: Spikes reveal unresolved naked shorts? Anson Funds (Toronto, Epstein/Mega Group ties) accused of GME shorts via pensions. DiIorio: Failed covers, liabilities hidden in shells like BBBYQ.
# 2025: Volatility Persists, Closures & CEO Comp Drama
* **Price Range**: Low $19.94, High $35.01, Mean \~$24.75. Year-end: $20.08 (-36% YOY).
* **Key Events**:
* Earnings: Q4 beat ($0.30 vs $0.09 est), but sales down.
* May 28: 52-wk high $35.81.
* Nov 20: 52-wk low $19.93.
* CEO pay package controversy (Jan 2026 options activity).
* **Theory Tie-In**: Dips despite beats suggest suppression via fraud (DiIorio: VIRT overpaying to bury shorts). Epstein slush funds as "infinite means" keeping pressure.
# 2026 YTD: Choppy Waters, Latest Close $23.88
* **Price Range (Jan)**: Low $20.62, High $24.21, Mean \~$21.94. Current (Jan 31): $23.88 (+3.68% intraday from $22.81 prior).
* **Key Events**:
* Jan: Option activity spikes (e.g., Jan 20/21 noteworthy).
* Ongoing store closures (2026 announcements weigh on sentiment).
* Upcoming Q4 2025 earnings (Mar 31 est $0.29).
* **Theory Tie-In**: Stable yet volatile? DiIorio's Epstein files expose slush funds/Ponzis enabling perpetual shorts. Unresolved naked positions (offshore hides) explain GME's resilience despite retail challenges – holders vs. trapped shorts.
# TL;DR & Why It Matters
DiIorio's docs in Epstein files reveal how extortion/slush funds allegedly fueled Wall Street's naked short playbook, with GME as a victim. Systemic corruption: no SEC enforcement = retail destruction. If true, this ties financial schemes to market rigging.

The basket is pumping, build a bear, bath and body works, ollis bargain barn, those are the few from XRT that have pumped the same time as GME