Multi-billionaire Jeffrey Epstein moved in the finest circles of society. President Bill Clinton, then-businessman Donald Trump and Britain’s Prince Andrew were all part of his circle.
Some names in his circle are already known. Others are to be revealed shortly.
Epstein died in custody – partner convicted
In 2008, Epstein was convicted in Florida of luring minors into prostitution. Despite that, he kept his place in the inner circles. But in 2019 came even more serious allegations that he has deprived, sexually exploited and allowed others to exploit underage girls on his private island, on his private jet, in Florida and in his townhouse in New York.
Epstein died in custody in 2019 and was never brought to justice. According to the coroner in New York, he committed suicide. His longtime partner Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced a couple of years later to 20 years in prison for trafficking in underage girls.
150 out of 187 names are released
Among Epstein’s belongings was a contact book. The 187 names in the book have been masked – until now. Following a court order, about 150 names previously referred to only as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” are to be made public.
Discussions have already arisen as to why not all names are released. According to New York judge Loretta Preska, it is about the fact that some of the people are victims of crime, writes BBC. It is still not clear if these are the reasons for all the exceptions.
Who is on Epstein’s list?
According to the judge, the contact list will contain several already known names. It will be a mix of people accused of crimes, people who accused Epstein of crimes, and potential witnesses to the crimes that were committed.
It is also expected to include several of Epstein’s employees, people who visited him or flew with him on his private jet.
Monday, January 1 was the last day to request that one’s name not be published. After that, the list will be released, but no exact time has been announced. Several media outlets have speculated that it could come as early as Tuesday, while others believe it will take a few days.
Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell
Jeffrey Epstein was a multi-billionaire and businessman from New York in the United States, born in 1953. He had many rich and famous people in his circle of acquaintances, including former US presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump and the British Prince Andrew.
Epstein was convicted in 2008 of buying sex from minors. The punishment then was mild, 13 months in prison, but with freedom to go to work.
In late 2018, the Miami Herald newspaper published articles in which several women came forward and accused Epstein of sexual abuse between 2001 and 2005. In early July 2019, Epstein was arrested at an airport in New Jersey. He was charged shortly thereafter for the abuse of tens of underage girls in the years 2002–2005.
Ghislaine Maxwell, according to the prosecution in her trial, played a crucial role in assisting Epstein in finding, befriending and preparing the victims for the abuse. She is also accused of having participated in the abuse herself on some occasions.
In August 2019, a month after his arrest, Epstein was found dead in his cell in New York. The death is described as suicide.
Source: TT