US Justice Department releases new Jeffrey Epstein files under transparency law

The US Justice Department on Friday released more records linked to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a rich financier accused of abusing young girls. These records were made public under a new law called the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which forces the government to share what it knew about Epstein and his powerful connections, according to Mint.

The law was passed after many months of public anger and political pressure asking for more truth and transparency in the Epstein case. The law also covers files related to Epstein’s close associate and former partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, Mint reported. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of documents.

Epstein files released

Along with documents, the department also released over 2,000 videos and about 180,000 images, Todd Blanche stated. All these materials have been uploaded to the Justice Department’s official website for public access. Officials said some of these documents were earlier kept secret when the first set of Epstein files was released in December.


One key document included is Ghislaine Maxwell’s US naturalisation certificate, BBC reported. The certificate lists Maxwell’s home address as Little St James Island, an island bought by Epstein in 1998. In the occupation section of the certificate, Maxwell is listed as working for Epstein with the job title “manager”. Another document found in dataset 10 is a PDF showing Maxwell’s registration in the Joint Automated Booking System.This system is used in the US to register people after they are arrested.

Charges against Maxwell

The file is from 2020 and includes a photo of Maxwell wearing what looks like a prison-issued orange jumpsuit, Mint reported. The file also lists her full name, known aliases, and a home address in Bradford, New Hampshire, though parts of it are blacked out. The document mentions the charges against Maxwell, including sexual exploitation of a minor, perjury, and transporting a minor for sexual activity.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also explained what information was not released this time, BBC reported. He said the department removed all content that includes victims’ personal details, medical records, and child sexual abuse material. Other excluded content includes anything that could harm ongoing investigations or show death or physical violence.

Blanche added that the faces of all women in the files were blurred or hidden, except for Ghislaine Maxwell. The faces of men shown in the documents were left visible and unredacted, according to BBC. The Justice Department said these steps were taken to balance public transparency with victim protection, Mint reported.

FAQs

Q1. Why did the US release new Jeffrey Epstein files?

The files were released under a new law to show what the government knew about Epstein and his links.

Q2. What new information is in the Epstein records?

The release includes millions of pages, videos, images, and documents linked to Ghislaine Maxwell.