Massive Release of Epstein-Related Documents by US DOJ
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has publicly released millions of files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking the largest government document release since a law mandated their disclosure last year.
On Friday, the DOJ posted three million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos online. This release occurred six weeks after the department missed a deadline established by legislation signed by former President Donald Trump, which required all Epstein-related documents to be made public.
"Today's release marks the end of a very comprehensive document identification and review process to ensure transparency to the American people and compliance," said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Contents of the Released Files
The files provide extensive information about Epstein's incarceration, including a psychological report and details surrounding his death in custody. They also contain investigative records on Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate convicted of assisting in trafficking underage girls.
Included are emails between Epstein and various prominent individuals, some dating back over a decade, illustrating his connections amid ongoing legal issues. Epstein was convicted in 2008 in Florida for soliciting sex from a 14-year-old girl following a controversial plea agreement. He died in August 2019 while jailed on sex trafficking charges.
The documents reveal Epstein's close ties to British elites, including emails with a figure identified as "The Duke," believed to be Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. These communications discuss private dinners at Buckingham Palace and introductions to a 26-year-old Russian woman. The emails, signed "A" and seemingly by "HRH Duke of York KG," date from August 2010, two years after Epstein's guilty plea.
Among the files is a photograph purportedly showing the former prince kneeling over a woman lying on the ground. Additional emails between Epstein and Mountbatten-Windsor from February 2011 contradict Andrew's claims of severing contact with Epstein the previous year. The emails do not imply any illegal activity.
The BBC has sought comment from Andrew, formerly the Duke of York, who has faced prolonged scrutiny over his association with Epstein and has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Other emails appear to be between Epstein and Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's ex-wife. One dated 4 April 2009, signed "Love, Sarah, The red Head.!!," mentions plans to meet in Palm Beach and discusses ideas for Ferguson's company, Mother's Army. Ferguson refers to Epstein as "My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey," calling him a "legend" and expressing pride. This correspondence occurred while Epstein was under house arrest for his 2008 conviction.
Hundreds of mentions of Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, appear in the files. A 2013 email exchange shows Branson telling Epstein it was "really nice" seeing him and inviting him to visit, joking about bringing his "harem." Virgin Group clarified that "harem" referred to three adult members of Epstein's team and stated that any contact between Branson and Epstein occurred on a few occasions over twelve years ago, limited to group or business events such as charity tennis matches.
Other international figures named include Miroslav Lajčák, national security adviser to Slovakia's prime minister, who resigned after text messages with Epstein surfaced. These messages, including from 2018, feature lighthearted discussions about women and an upcoming meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. After Epstein sent an unseen image, Lajčák replied: "Why don't you invite me for these games? I would take the 'MI' girl."
Being mentioned in the files does not imply wrongdoing. Lajčák initially denied discussing women with Epstein but later reportedly resigned to avoid political damage to Fico.
Bank statements suggest Epstein made $75,000 in payments to accounts linked to Lord Mandelson between 2003 and 2004, in three separate $25,000 transactions. Lord Mandelson stated he had no record or recollection of receiving these sums and questioned the documents' authenticity.
Additional emails from 16 June 2009 show Lord Mandelson requesting to stay at one of Epstein's properties while Epstein was serving a prison sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor. During much of his sentence, Epstein was permitted to work from his office during the day, returning to jail at night.
Lord Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to the US in December 2024 but was dismissed less than a year later after revelations of supportive messages he sent to Epstein following Epstein's conviction. Mandelson has publicly expressed regret over his friendship with Epstein, which was well known, and stated he never witnessed wrongdoing and "fell for his lies."
