Millions of new records related to him have been released by the Department of Justice (DOJ), in the largest government release of documents to date, after a law requiring their release was passed last year.
According to the BBC, a total of three million pages, 180,000 images and 2,000 videos were posted publicly on Friday. The release came six weeks after the Justice Department missed a deadline set by a law signed by the US president that required the full release of all documents related to the Epstein case.
“Today’s release marks the completion of an extremely extensive document discovery and review process to ensure transparency with the American people and compliance with the law,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanch.
The records include details of Jeffrey Epstein’s time in custody, including a psychological report, as well as evidence of his death in prison. At the same time, investigative documents are included on Ghislaine Maxwell, his close associate, who has been convicted of trafficking underage girls.
The files also include emails between Epstein and high-ranking and prominent figures. Many of the documents document Epstein’s relationships during a time when he was facing serious legal problems. It is recalled that in 2008 he was convicted in Florida of seducing a 14-year-old girl, as part of a highly controversial plea deal with prosecutors.
Epstein died in August 2019 while in custody awaiting trial for an extensive sex exploitation ring.
Contacts with the British elite
The documents shed light and . Among others are emails with a person referred to as ‘The Duke’, believed to be Prince Andrew, discussing a dinner at Buckingham Palace.
In another message, Epstein offers to introduce him to a 26-year-old Russian woman. The emails, signed with the letter ‘A’, bear a signature that appears to read ‘HRH Duke of York KG’ and date from August 2010, two years after Epstein’s conviction.
Also included in the new batch of documents is a photograph that allegedly shows the former prince kneeling on all fours over a woman lying on the ground. At the same time, emails between Epstein and Andrew from February 2011 raise questions, as they contradict the latter’s assurances that he had cut off all contact with Epstein since the previous year.
Some emails also appear to be from Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife. In a 2009 message, she called him a “dear, special friend” and a “legend,” expressing her pride in him while Epstein was still under house arrest.
References to international personalities
The documents contain hundreds of references to Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. In a 2013 email, she appears to tell Epstein that she was happy to see him and would like to see him again “as long as he brings his harem.” Virgin Group clarified that the report concerned adult members of Epstein’s team and that the contacts were limited and purely professional.
References are made to other international figures, such as Slovak politician Miroslav Lajčak, who resigned after messages with Epstein were made public. Appearing on records is not an indication of illegality.
References to Trump, Musk and Gates
US President Donald Trump is mentioned hundreds of times in the documents. Although she had a friendly relationship with Epstein in the past, she has said it ended years ago and has denied any knowledge of or involvement in any crimes. The Ministry of Justice stressed that some of the claims are baseless and false.
Emails are also included with Elon Musk, who appears to discuss the possibility of a visit to Epstein’s island, though there is no indication that it ever took place. He stated that such communications can be misinterpreted, but emphasized the need for justice for crimes against minors.
Bill Gates categorically denied claims contained in Epstein’s emails, calling them “absolutely absurd and false”.
It remains unclear whether this disclosure is also the final chapter of the case. Although the DOJ says the process is complete, Democratic lawmakers estimate that millions of documents still remain unreleased, raising questions about what else might be revealed.
