Epstein accountant and lawyer say federal agents never questioned them

Jeffrey Epstein's accountant and his attorney have both said that federal government investigators never interviewed them about the late financier's crimes and their work with him, according to deposition videos released by the House of Representatives' oversight committee.

Richard Kahn, Epstein's accountant, and Darren Indyke, Epstein's lawyer, said in hours of closed-door interviews with the committee that they did not witness, nor were involved in, any wrongdoing relating to Epstein, who died in 2019 after being charged with child sex trafficking.

Both said that they were not interviewed by federal investigators about their knowledge of Epstein, again highlighting the large gaps in the justice department's work in holding Epstein and his associates accountable for his crimes. ... Read more

Epstein's longtime accountant testifies on his wealth and business ties

Richard Kahn, who worked closely with Epstein for years and now serves as an executor of his estate, appeared for the closed-door deposition on Capitol Hill. He told lawmakers that he had not personally seen evidence of Epstein's sexual abuse, but provided a fuller picture of how Epstein acquired his wealth. The wealthy financier made hundreds of millions of dollars over two decades during which he struck up friendships with some of the world's most powerful men.

Kahn "was under the impression that Epstein made his money as a tax advisor and a financial planner," said Rep. James Comer, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee. Lawmakers argued that a fuller picture of Epstein's finances could help the public understand how for years he was able to get away with trafficking and sexually abusing underage girls.

"Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring would not have been possible without Richard Kahn, who managed Epstein's money for years, authorized payments, including payments to victims and survivors," said Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., who added that Kahn told them he was unable to recall details of some of the transactions and communications that he was asked about. ... Read more

Would Epstein victims have been denied help after changes to UK slavery system?

Survivors of sex trafficking offences similar to those committed by Jeffrey Epstein may be refused support under the UK's modern slavery system due to immigration law changes introduced by the previous government, experts have warned.

Sara* was trafficked around the UK and sexually exploited in her teens and into adulthood, in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Over the years, she told openDemocracy, "different groups of perpetrators were involved at different time periods."

When Sara was referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) - the system designed to identify and support victims and survivors of modern slavery - the Home Office asked her to produce extensive evidence of her exploitation and take part in interviews totalling many hours.

Gathering the required information was challenging, Sara said, "as much of the abuse occurred in circumstances where I had little control, and there was limited documentation or tangible proof available to me." She added that it "was extremely difficult to provide specific dates and timelines" for abuse that took place repeatedly over many years. ... Read more