How banks, billionaires aided Epstein after his 2008 conviction
Al Jazeera
Federal documents reveal how financiers, billionaires and major banks remained intertwined with Epstein for years.
In 2008, after years of allegations from teenage girls who said they had been abused inside the property, Jeffrey Epstein secured what was later described as one of the most extraordinary plea deals in modern US legal history.
He pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution and served fewer than 13 months of an 18-month prison sentence, much of it on work release, avoiding federal sex-trafficking charges that can carry a life sentence.
Despite his new status as a registered sex offender, Epstein retained the trappings of wealth and influence. He preserved his foothold in financial circles and rebuilt his relationships among billionaires and senior bankers.
Al Jazeera has reviewed the latest documents published by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) on January 30, 2026, gathered during federal investigations into Epstein. The files shed new light on how, despite his conviction, he remained embedded within elite financial networks for years. Epstein was later charged in 2019 with sex trafficking involving minors before his death by suicide in federal custody.
The records show that, between 2008 and 2019, Epstein’s survival depended on something less visible, a banking system that continued to process his money and a network of willing financiers. As long as this remained, the gates to power did not close. And in return, Epstein offered a different kind of access.
The US president exaggerates on economy and immigration amid sagging popularity before the crucial midterm elections.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expresses ‘heartfelt gratitude’ to Russia’s Putin for support in repatriating the men.
Chancellor says he wants to deepen trade relationship while making it fairer during visit that sees signing of several agreements.
Investigators say Suresh Sallay aided and conspired in the deadly Easter Sunday attacks that killed nearly 300 people.
Trump strikes belligerent tone on Iran during State of the Union, but says he would prefer a diplomatic solution.
Venezuela’s National Assembly says thousands of people have regained freedom under a new amnesty law.
US forces have ‘captured’ a third oil tanker in the Indian Ocean weeks after it reportedly left Venezuelan waters.
Modi will mark his second visit to Israel with the two countries having deepened ties under the Hindu nationalist PM.
China’s Commerce Ministry says the move against Japanese firms will prevent the remilitarisation of Japan.
Foreign Minister Araghchi’s remarks on eve of Geneva talks come as second US aircraft carrier heads towards Middle East.