Federal Probe Targets Jeffrey Epstein’s Top Advisers — Significant Development for Survivors

Federal investigators have reportedly opened a probe into two of Jeffrey Epstein’s closest advisers — longtime lawyer Darren Indyke and accountant Richard Kahn — a move survivors and advocates say could be a meaningful step toward broader accountability.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the inquiry. CNN spoke with a source who said they were interviewed earlier this year by investigators about Epstein and the two men. According to the source, federal officials — including personnel from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) — have sought documents such as emails and bank checks and have been contacting witnesses, including survivors.

What Investigators Are Said To Be Examining

Investigators appear to be reviewing a wide range of financial and legal records tied to Epstein’s operations, including his network of shell companies such as the Florida Science Foundation, a nonprofit created in November 2007. Multiple survivors have told CNN they were abused by Epstein at facilities connected to that organization while he was at times serving jail sentences.

Responses From Officials And Lawyers

A Justice Department spokesperson told CNN: "We don't comment on the existence, or lack thereof, of investigations. We have always said with regard to Epstein that if the evidence presents itself, we will investigate." SDNY declined to confirm the probe.

Daniel Wiener, who represents both Indyke and Kahn, told CNN that neither man has been subpoenaed, asked to meet with federal prosecutors or informed they are the subject of an investigation. "They are aware that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York recently asked to speak with at least one individual who provided services to Jeffrey Epstein, but the focus and the scope of the investigation are not known to them," Wiener said.

Wiener emphasized that during the U.S. Attorney’s earlier work in 2018–2019, Indyke and Kahn were not identified as potential co-conspirators. Both men have publicly denied any knowledge of or participation in Epstein’s crimes. Indyke testified to lawmakers this year that he had "no knowledge whatsoever" of wrongdoing, and Kahn told Congress their relationship was "strictly on a professional level." Kahn added that he "never observed any sexual abuse or trafficking of women and never received a complaint" about such conduct.

Litigation, Estate Roles And Survivor Concerns

Indyke and Kahn have long been controversial figures in Epstein’s inner circle. They served as co-executors of Epstein’s estate and are listed among potential beneficiaries of trusts tied to the estate — a dual role that survivors and their lawyers say creates a conflict of interest as the estate simultaneously fights civil claims and has funded legal defenses for its co-executors.

Survivors have pursued civil litigation alleging that Indyke and Kahn provided the legal and financial support that helped Epstein’s trafficking operation to function. A class-action complaint filed in August accuses them of "playing critical roles in enabling Epstein's acts" by facilitating his business and financial affairs.

Advocacy groups called the reported federal interest a long-overdue development. Lauren Hersh, co-founder of World Without Exploitation, said Epstein’s crimes were "made possible by a network of people and institutions around him" and welcomed prosecutors' reported inquiries into Indyke and Kahn.

Context And Next Steps

Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. To date, Ghislaine Maxwell is the only person prosecuted in the U.S. in connection with Epstein’s trafficking enterprise. A law enacted last year required the Justice Department to release millions of pages of documents related to Epstein, though officials acknowledge many more pages remain in DOJ custody and have not been made public.

Attorneys for Indyke and Kahn have said probate of Epstein’s estate could take years and that neither client has received funds from the estate to date. They added that any payments from the 1953 Trust would occur only after all claims are resolved and the estate is fully probated.

CNN's Em Steck contributed reporting. This story was updated with a statement from attorneys for Indyke and Kahn.