DOJ Release of Epstein Files Sends Shockwaves Worldwide — Resignations, Denials and Renewed Scrutiny

The Justice Department on Friday released a large tranche of documents tied to its investigations of Jeffrey Epstein, reporting roughly three million pages of material. The files contain previously unseen communications that mention a range of high-profile individuals in the United States and abroad. Officials caution that the appearance of a name or an exchange in the records is not, by itself, evidence of criminal conduct.

What the Files Show

The package includes emails, text messages, photographs and financial records that reference or involve a number of prominent figures. Some entries appear to show exchanges between Epstein and public figures and business leaders; others include bank records and images released without captions or context. The material has prompted fresh scrutiny of Epstein’s contacts and a series of political reverberations outside the U.S.

International Fallout

Slovakia: The national security adviser to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico resigned after his name appeared in the newly released documents. The messages attributed to Miroslav Lajcak—formerly Slovakia’s foreign minister—appear to include informal exchanges about films, foreign affairs and references to women. In a statement, Lajcak denied any wrongdoing and condemned Epstein’s crimes, saying he stepped down so that Prime Minister Fico would not “bear political costs for something unrelated to his decisions,” according to local Slovak media. Prime Minister Fico praised Lajcak as “a great diplomat” and criticised what he called hypocritical media coverage.

India: An email attributed to Epstein and a correspondent identified as “Y. Jabor” referenced Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2017 visit to Israel and suggested Modi “danced and sang in Israel for the benefit of the US president.” The Indian government rejected that characterisation, calling it “trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal” that should be dismissed with contempt. Modi’s 2017 trip was the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Israel and marked a significant shift in bilateral ties; at that time, Donald Trump was serving as U.S. president.

United Kingdom: The files renewed attention on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) after photographs reportedly showing him leaning over a woman or girl—whose face was redacted—were included in the release. The photographs were published without captions or explanatory notes, and the location and context remain unclear. Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.

Also in Britain, the release contains bank records that appear to show payments linked to Lord Peter Mandelson. The documents list three transfers of $25,000 dated between 2003 and 2004—totaling $75,000—to accounts connected to Mandelson, and later, smaller transfers to Reinaldo Avila da Silva, who was then reported to be Mandelson’s partner. A spokesperson for Lord Mandelson told Sky News that neither he nor his husband had any record or recollection of receiving the funds and questioned the authenticity of the records. Mandelson has called for banks to confirm the documents’ validity and maintains he has no recollection of the payments.

Calls For Accountability And Testimony

The new material has put pressure on public figures named in the files to cooperate with inquiries. U.S. lawmakers have requested testimony from individuals linked in the documents, and British officials have highlighted the need to prioritise the interests of Epstein’s victims. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said those with relevant information should be prepared to share it, stressing that “Epstein’s victims have to be the first priority.”

Note: The presence of a person’s name or communications in the released records does not constitute proof of illegal activity. Many figures named in the documents have denied wrongdoing and questioned the accuracy or context of the material.

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