Millions of newly released documents linked to the late American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been made public by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), marking the largest disclosure so far under a law mandating transparency around the case.
The release includes over three million pages, 180,000 images, and about 2,000 videos, published on Friday after the Justice Department missed an earlier legal deadline set by law.
According to US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, the release concludes a lengthy review process aimed at ensuring transparency while protecting victims.
“Today’s release marks the end of a very comprehensive document identification and review process,” Blanche said.
What the Files Contain
The documents include:
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Prison and psychological reports related to Epstein
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Records surrounding his death in custody in 2019
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Investigative materials linked to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, who was convicted for helping traffic underage girls
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Email correspondence between Epstein and several high-profile figures
Many of the documents date back more than a decade and shed light on Epstein’s relationships during and after his legal troubles. Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting sex from a minor and died in a New York jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Emails Linked to British Royal Circles
Some of the newly released emails suggest close communication between Epstein and figures connected to Britain’s royal family.
Emails exchanged in 2010 reference meetings at Buckingham Palace and an offer by Epstein to introduce a person identified as “The Duke” — widely believed to be Prince Andrew, the Duke of York — to a 26-year-old Russian woman.
The emails do not contain evidence of criminal wrongdoing. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any misconduct and has faced long-standing scrutiny over his past association with Epstein.
Other emails appear to involve Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s former wife, discussing business ideas and referring to Epstein as a close friend while he was under house arrest.
Financial Links to UK Political Figures
The files also show Epstein transferred £10,000 in 2009 to Reinaldo Avila da Silva, husband of former UK Labour politician Lord Peter Mandelson, to cover tuition for an osteopathy course.
Additional correspondence shows Mandelson requesting accommodation at one of Epstein’s properties during the period Epstein was serving a jail sentence.
Mandelson has since said he regrets his association with Epstein, stating he was misled and never witnessed any illegal activity.
Trump Mentioned Hundreds of Times
Former and current US President Donald Trump is mentioned repeatedly in the documents. While Trump previously had a social relationship with Epstein, he has said they fell out years before Epstein’s arrest and has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
The files include unverified allegations submitted to an FBI tip line. US authorities have stressed that these claims are unfounded, unsupported, and false, noting they were never substantiated or acted upon.
Trump has not been charged or accused by Epstein’s victims.
Elon Musk and Epstein Emails Surface
Email exchanges between Epstein and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk are also included in the release. The correspondence shows discussions about possible travel and social events, including Epstein’s private island.
Musk has previously said he declined Epstein’s invitations, and there is no evidence he ever visited the island. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Representatives for Musk have been contacted for comment.
Bill Gates Rejects Allegations
Emails drafted by Epstein in 2013 contain claims involving Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, including false and defamatory allegations.
A spokesperson for Gates dismissed the claims as “absolutely absurd and completely false,” describing them as attempts by Epstein to damage Gates’ reputation after their relationship ended.
There is no evidence the emails were ever sent to Gates.
Are More Files Still Being Withheld?
While the Justice Department says the release process is complete, some US lawmakers disagree.
Democratic Congressman Roh Khanna has questioned why millions of additional documents identified by the DOJ were not released, calling for further transparency.
Many of the released files contain heavy redactions. The law allows redactions only to protect victims or ongoing investigations.
Despite the release, public skepticism remains high. For years, critics have alleged a system that protected wealthy and powerful individuals connected to Epstein.
Deputy Attorney General Blanche acknowledged that the files do not name specific perpetrators of abuse.
“If the department had those names, those individuals would be prosecuted,” he said.
Whether further disclosures will follow remains uncertain.
GhanaNews 24 will continue to monitor developments on this global story.
