The high-profile Europeans named in the Epstein files

The release of a new tranche of roughly three million U.S. Department of Justice files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has renewed scrutiny of several prominent European figures, with political and reputational consequences in some cases. The documents, which do not in themselves constitute proof of criminal wrongdoing, reveal contacts and correspondence between Epstein and high-profile individuals including the UK’s former Prince Andrew, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the UK’s former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Slovakia’s national security adviser Miroslav Lajcak, former UK minister Peter Mandelson, and billionaire businessman Richard Branson. While many have denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and emphasized that their interactions were limited or professional, the revelations have prompted public apologies, calls for further explanation, and resignations. Notably, Lajcak resigned from his advisory role in Slovakia, and Mandelson stepped down from membership of the UK’s Labour Party to avoid further embarrassment. The disclosures underscore how Epstein’s associations continue to reverberate across Europe years after his conviction and death, raising questions about judgement, accountability, and transparency among public figures.

Credit : CGTN