Jeffrey Epstein's dark deeds have captivated global headlines. His dossier, ranging from the abuse of minors to sex trafficking, has been laid bare. It now emerges that Epstein harbored an intense interest in Russia, even expressing a desire to meet Russian President Putin.
According to a CNN report, this story dates back to June 2018, a year after Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin's sudden demise. Newly released US Justice Department documents reveal Epstein regularly met Churkin in New York. Epstein had even offered a job to Churkin's son, Maxim, at a New York wealth management firm.
After Churkin's passing, Epstein sought another Russian connection: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. On June 24, 2018, Epstein emailed Thorbjørn Jagland, then Secretary-General of the European Council, suggesting Putin should encourage Lavrov to meet him, implying potential benefits. Jagland replied he was scheduled to meet Lavrov's aide and would advance the matter. Epstein reminisced about Churkin's brilliance, highlighting how their discussions helped him comprehend Trump.
Source: aajtak
While Epstein's fascination with Eastern European models was already known, these documents shed fresh light on his attempts to reach Russia's highest echelons, including President Putin.
New documents connected to Epstein's interactions with international leaders and Russian officials have intensified speculations about his motives.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced an investigation into Epstein's potential Russian intelligence links, citing emerging media information and hints at Russian intelligence connections to the pedophile scandal.
The Kremlin dismissed claims of Epstein as a spy for Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov advised against taking such theories seriously.
Documents reveal that on May 9, 2013, Epstein wrote to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, noting that Jagland was set to meet Putin in Sochi on May 20. Epstein queried about his availability to meet Putin, to discuss how Russia could attract Western investments.
Epstein told Barak's email that he never met Putin. On May 14, 2013, Jagland informed Epstein of his intention to convey Epstein's potential value to Putin. Jagland wrote of a friend who could facilitate a meeting.
In response, Epstein claimed readiness for significant ventures, akin to Sputnik's space race achievement. He suggested conveying his closeness with Bill Gates, and his advisory role. Ready to meet Putin, he demanded substantial meeting time.
Publicly, Bill Gates admitted regret in meeting Epstein through his spokesperson. However, on May 21, 2013, an email to Barak revealed Epstein's claim, sans evidence, of declining Putin's meet request at a Russian economic conference in St. Petersburg. Epstein insisted any meeting required real-time arrangement and absolute privacy.
(It's unclear if Putin ever solicited a meeting with Epstein)
In July 2014, an email hinted at an impending arranged meeting with Putin. Epstein invited LinkedIn's founder to participate. MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito wrote to Epstein about rescheduling woes for Reid's meeting with Putin.
Joi Ito previously publicly apologized for his ties to Epstein and accepting funding for MIT Media Lab.
Epstein's discussions with key Russian figures coincided with tense US-Russia dynamics, especially following 2016 election interference allegations that culminated in Donald Trump's victory.
Source: aajtak
In June 2018, Jagland emailed Epstein about his Paris stay plans, arriving from Moscow. He mentioned meetings with President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and then Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
Epstein lamented his non-presence for meetings with Russians. A Norwegian investigative agency later announced a probe into Jagland based on documents tied to Epstein. Jagland's lawyer Anders Brosveit stated full cooperation in the investigation. Jagland denied wrongdoing linked to Epstein.
The documents show Epstein's close ties with a Russian individual linked to the FSB, Russia's main security service and KGB successor.
In 2015, Epstein informed former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, post-St. Petersburg International Economic Forum participation, of meetings with key Russian leaders, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, and other top Russian bank heads.
Barak's office stated his St. Petersburg International Economic Forum trips were always upon Putin's invitation. Barak discussed global issues with Epstein but never highlighted him to the Kremlin, despite Epstein's interest in Russian affairs and meeting Putin.
Source: aajtak
The documents reveal Epstein's links extended beyond mere political curiosity. He attempted direct contact and discussions with Russia's top officials and business circles. One notable individual was Sergei Belyakov, an FSB Academy alumnus and former Russian Deputy Economic Minister.
In 2016, emails between Belyakov and Epstein disclosed Belyakov's new role in the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), aiming to attract investment for Russian projects. In another email, Epstein committed to any helpful actions.
Epstein once sought Belyakov's help, writing in 2015 about a Russian woman in New York blackmailing powerful business figures. Epstein asked about her New York arrival and hotel stay details.
