A new batch of documents declassified by the U.S. Department of Justice has shed light on the local connections of Jeffrey Epstein's network. According to an investigation by Radio Rivadavia journalist Camila Dolabjian for La Nación, there are at least 711 excerpts in the files that mention Argentina or Argentine citizens, revealing a plot that includes possible victims, financial deals, and links to public figures.
Among the most sensitive findings is an exchange of emails between FBI agents discussing the need for translators and therapists, explicitly mentioning "communicate progress to your victims in Argentina." The documents also reveal "books" of photos sent to Epstein's email that include the names of three Argentine models. A Buenos Aires modeling agency sent newsletter-type emails to the financier between 2012 and 2013.
The documents expose Epstein's financial side and its impact on the local market. In 2018, Epstein's financial agent, Paul Barrett, reported losing US$ 1,200,000 due to the exchange rate and Argentine bonds during the government crisis of Mauricio Macri. Barrett ranked the investment in Argentina as one of his "three worst deals," alongside General Electric.
The files detail interactions with various figures linked to the country: Roberto Giordano: Bank statements show the stylist received multiple money transfers from the pedophile, most for amounts of US$ 500. Joe Lewis: Mails from 2009 between Epstein and former Barclays CEO Jes Staley discuss the British magnate; Staley confirms having spent a day with Lewis in Bariloche. On December 31, 2018, Julian Leese invited Epstein to come to the country to hunt in 2019, an offer the financier accepted with a "Yes," though his arrest that July prevented the trip.
