Jeffrey Epstein's Islands under rebranding and image makeover

Alleged pedophile Jeffrey Epstein's property in the US Virgin Islands, known for his scandals, is under renovations, image makeover and rebranding. After billionaire Stephen Deckoff bought the Caribbean Islands of Great St. James and Little St. James for $60 million, he ordered for reconstruction of many parts. He hopes to inaugurate the new attraction sometime in 2025.

Sold in 2022

Earlier in 2021, these small islands were listed for $125 million, with the bulk of the proceeds supporting compensation efforts for Epstein’s victims. But the islands could not attract a buyer, and the price was slashed to $110 million in 2022 before Deckoff pounced in May of last year.

Jeffrey Epstein, who hung himself in a Manhattan jail cell in 2018, allegedly hosted a parade of prominent figures he brought to the site over many years. Hundreds of women from across the world came forward to complain that they were trafficked to the islands and abused. They said that they were promised modeling contracts or better lives by Epstein or one of his cohorts, like ex-girlfriend and fixer Ghislaine Maxwell. Most of them were underage at that time.

'Epstein Island'

'Epstein Island' includes a helipad, private dock, gas station, high-capacity water filtration, 2 pools, the main compound, 4 guest villas, 3 private beaches, a gym, a tiki hut and other structures.

Rebranding

Now, developers plan to convert the property into a glittering hotel. Talking to the 'Financial Times', Deckoff said, "I have been proud to call the US Virgin Islands home for more than a decade and am tremendously pleased to be able to bring the area a world-class destination befitting its natural grace and beauty."

He has increased his sprawling real estate portfolio with the purchases of 165-acre Great St. James Bay and 70-acre Little St. James Bay. He lives in a $12 million waterfront estate in St. John's Peter Bay and owns other trophy properties in Beverly Hills and New York.

Jeffrey Epstein bought Little St. James, which would become the center of his misconduct, for $7.95 million in 1998. He later also bought Great St. James in 2016 for nearly $20 million.

Epstein greeted several high-powered global figures at the property, including former President Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and UK's Prince Andrew.

FAQs:

Why are the Caribbean islands, once owned by Jeffrey Epstein, infamous?
Jeffrey Epstein, who hung himself in a Manhattan jail cell in 2018, allegedly hosted a parade of prominent figures he brought to the site over many years. Hundreds of women from across the world came forward to complain that they were trafficked to the islands and abused.

When did Jeffrey Epstein buy the property?
Jeffrey Epstein bought Little St. James, which would become the center of his misconduct, for $7.95 million in 1998. He later also bought Great St. James in 2016 for nearly $20 million.