🔗 Share this article

Newly unsealed records reveal that America's largest bank submitted a SAR in 2019 alerting federal authorities about over $1 billion in transactions linked to Jeffrey Epstein that were potentially related to human trafficking.

Bank's Comprehensive Reporting of Suspicious Transactions

The banking giant identified approximately 4,700 transactions totaling over $1 billion that were possibly linked to trafficking allegations concerning the financier, according to the newly released court documents.

This documentation was filed just weeks after Epstein was found dead in a New York jail cell and also flagged wire transfers made by the financier to financial institutions in Russia.

Prominent Figures Identified in Report

The SAR identified several well-known corporate leaders and individuals in association with the flagged transactions, including:

• Leon Black, that left the private equity firm in 2021
• The hedge fund manager, an established investment professional
• Alan Dershowitz, who served as legal counsel for Epstein
• Trusts under the direction of billionaire businessman the retail magnate

This documentation specifically identified $65 million in wire transfers from the 2000s era that appeared to move between multiple banks associated with Wexner's trusts.

Judicial and Political Scrutiny

The bank's 15-year relationship with the convicted sex offender has become a source of significant judicial examination and political attention.

The unsealed documents were part of 2023 litigation initiated by the US Virgin Islands, where Epstein owned a personal island property and conducted most of his financial affairs.

Furthermore, victims of trafficking by Epstein also participated in the legal action, which JP Morgan eventually settled.

Bank's Response and Oversight Background

An official representative for the bank commented that the release of the suspicious activity reports shows the bank had alerted regulators about the financier as required.

The representative stated: "The SARs do confirm what's been inferred: the bank submitted reports about Epstein promptly, and particularly when it exited Epstein from the bank in 2013 – and repeatedly between 2013 and 2019, as mandated."

She added: "There is no indication that anyone in the government or law enforcement responded to those reports for years."

Individual Reactions and Judicial Position

Spokespeople for the named individuals have issued various responses regarding their mention in the report:

• The hedge fund manager's spokesperson asserted that the referenced financial activities were unrelated to Epstein's crimes
• The attorney maintained the only funds he received from the financier were for legal services
• Leon Black's representative chose not to respond

It is important to note, not one of the persons named in the report have been faced criminal charges in connection to the financier.