What was the true story behind the events on Jeffrey Epstein’s island?

Visitors to Epstein’s islands hailed from various countries and held prestigious positions in society, including celebrities, scientists, and members of royal families. They arrived via private jet and then transferred to a helicopter to reach the island.

The owner affectionately referred to it as “Little St Jeff”, while the residents of the area knew it as “Paedophile Island”.

What is the reality behind Little St James, the 75-acre exclusive sanctuary in the US Virgin Islands that was once the residence of billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein?

The attorney general of the US Virgin Islands filed a legal complaint stating that it was a “perfect haven” for traffickers to exploit young women and underage girls for sexual purposes, as well as subjecting them to child abuse and sexual assault.

According to the complaint, Epstein and his associates managed to hide their illegal actions from authorities in the Virgin Islands and the federal government. They also prevented young women and underage girls from leaving and escaping the abuse.

On Tuesday, 28 June, Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty of five charges related to sex trafficking and was sentenced to 20 years in prison and a $750,000 fine. The trial revolved around an island that was prominently featured.

In May 2023, the property was purchased by a wealthy investor for less than half of its initial asking price, with the intention of transforming it into a high-end resort.

This is all the information we have on Little St James and Epstein’s actions there.

Little St James is a tiny island surrounded by coral reefs in the vibrant blue waters of the US Virgin Islands. It features protected coves and wooded areas that lead up to striking exposed peaks and rugged cliffs.

Located near the southeastern edge of St. Thomas, which is one of the three main islands in the Caribbean archipelago.

During World War I, the United States government bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark to prevent them from being used as a German submarine base.

In current times, a significant number of financial professionals view them as a place where taxes are avoided, offering substantial reductions in corporate and personal income taxes for companies operating within their borders.

In 2010, Epstein was registered as a sex offender while in the Virgin Islands, after being convicted of child prostitution in 2008. He operated his shell companies from a nondescript office located in a strip mall on St Thomas, next to a Sam’s Mini-Mart and a salon named Happy Nails.

In 1998, he purchased Little St James island from venture capitalist Arch Cummin through a shell company for a reported amount of just under $8 million. The new proprietor swiftly removed all of the original plants and replaced them with 40-foot tall palm trees.

In 2007, Epstein initiated a large-scale project of construction and renovation that raised concerns among the community’s leaders. His primary property expanded significantly, transforming into a luxurious estate with a connecting outdoor terrace between the main bedroom and pool, as well as a desalination system.

Images captured by satellites reveal an extensive collection of terraces, cottages, beach homes, pools, docks, utility structures, a helipad, a tennis court, slipways, a mysterious enclosed body of water, and various huts with unknown functions. These structures are linked by paths lined with palm trees, where guests were transported by golf carts to different locations (which supposedly only took five minutes to traverse the entire island).

The breathtaking drone video on YouTube provides a detailed view of the island, featuring a massive sundial in the center that can be walked around and two towering American flags at each end.

At the other end from Epstein’s manor is a squat, boxy blue and white striped structure often referred to as a “temple”, surrounded by a terrace with a red labyrinth motif. It previously had a golden dome and two gold statues on its roof, which were reportedly torn off in Hurricane Maria.

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In 2016, Epstein acquired the adjacent island of Great St James, which is approximately twice the size at 165 acres. It was allegedly done under the guise of being purchased by a Dubai businessman named Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

According to a resident of St. Thomas, as reported by the Associated Press, he was not well received. The perception is that he is too wealthy to be adequately regulated.

Prior to his conviction in 2008, Epstein would frequent Little St James Island two to three times a month, often staying for multiple days at a time. A former employee described the island as a peaceful retreat, where Epstein would casually walk around in flip-flops while meditative music played from speakers and women frequently sunbathed topless.

There were always females present, of course, often charming and occasionally questionably young, accompanying Epstein or one of his numerous visitors. They were sometimes brought in groups on a 38-foot vessel known as the Lady Ghislaine, supposedly named after Epstein’s longtime partner Ghislaine Maxwell.

The island’s team consisted of approximately 70 members, ranging from caretakers and gardeners to laundry attendants and boat captains. They were required to wear either black or white polo shirts and were obligated to maintain strict confidentiality. They were instructed to avoid being seen by Epstein while carrying out their duties and were not permitted to enter either of his two offices in the main mansion. One of these offices contained a heavily guarded safe made of steel.

As reported by The LA Times, Epstein had a passion for “pirate treasure,” a term he used for antique rum bottles and crockery discovered on the island. He would compensate his servants with sums ranging from $100 to $1,000 for any valuable items in well-maintained condition.

Although he has been accused of wrongdoing, Miles Alexander, along with his wife Cathy, who managed the island from 1999 to 2007, described him as a kind man whom they liked. They believed that their role required discretion and they did not see any inappropriate behavior during their time there.

The couple from South Africa shared that Epstein had a preference for not eating meals in public. Instead, he would have snacks in his room and also receive daily massages. It was strictly prohibited to disturb him in his room, although they did stumble upon a box of sex toys while he was away.

The Alexanders claim they were informed upon being hired: “Jeffrey gets what Jeffrey wants.”

Of course there were always guests. Among the famous names reportedly hosted by Epstein were theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, Nobel laureate Lawrence Krauss, comedian Chris Tucker, actor Kevin Spacey, Victoria’s Secret magnate Les Wexner, model Naomi Campbell, former Tony Blair aide Lord Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom.

Some sources say that Bill Clinton was a visitor, but he denies ever being there. Donald Trump supposedly used one of Epstein’s planes, but it is unknown if he actually went to the island. Magician David Copperfield is rumored to have asked supermodel Claudia Schiffer to marry him on the island.

Guests would arrive on one of Epstein’s Gulfstream jets at Cyril E King Airport on St Thomas, in a private area separate from the main runway. They would then be shuttled to Little St James on one of Epstein’s black helicopters.

Epstein enjoyed hosting his guests and was said to have financed the customization of a submarine for Professor Hawking to experience an underwater tour, since he had never done so before. A former staff member likened the experience to a luxurious hotel where guests did not have to pay.

Cathy Alexander recalls Prince Andrew as a charming guest, noting that he was enjoyable to be around and not difficult to please. One particular day, he came back from the beach in high spirits, as one of his friends had accidentally stepped on a sea urchin. To ease the pain, he urinated on her foot.

Ms. Alexander remembers him giving her a $350 tip, which was surprising since other guests did not do the same.

In January of 2024, it is anticipated that as many as 200 people connected to Epstein will have their identities revealed, following a court order to unseal documents in a lawsuit filed by Ms. Guiffre against Maxwell.

Several documents, which may be unsealed at any time starting from 1 January, have already been made available to the public, but with redacted names.

In December of 2023, Judge Loretta Preska of the US District Court determined that there was no lawful reason to continue withholding the names of “John and Jane Does”.

This has created opportunities for many well-known individuals to have their names publicly associated with Epstein – some of whom may be accused of visiting the island.

Definitely, they did. Since the beginning, residents of St Thomas spoke in hushed tones about Epstein’s actions, referring to his personal planes as “the Lolita Express.” Whenever scuba divers ventured near the island, it was said that security guards would suddenly appear to monitor the shoreline.

Epstein used to transport approximately 200 employees daily to work on his construction projects. According to one worker, he kept to himself and allowed his workers to focus on their tasks. Occasionally, he would donate leftover materials or excess supplies.

Staff at the airport in St. Thomas were able to observe the individuals accompanying Epstein on the Express. According to a former air traffic controller who spoke to Vanity Fair, they witnessed Epstein disembark from his helicopter, stand on the tarmac in plain sight of the control tower, and board his private jet with young girls on multiple occasions.

My coworkers and I discussed our confusion over why this man was still permitted to be in contact with children. We chose not to speak up, assuming that the authorities were handling the situation. It is unfortunate, but we were unsure who to inform or if anyone would take action.

A worker at the airstrip stated that there were young women who appeared to be high school age. They consistently wore college sweatshirts, which seemed like a way to blend in.

I witnessed him firsthand. It was akin to coming across a notorious murderer in the middle of the day. I described it as the embodiment of wickedness… It was as if he was proudly displaying it. Occasionally, the girls would have shopping bags from luxurious labels like Gucci and Dior.

The Alexanders became wary as well. Cathy informed The Mail, “They appeared as though they were plucked straight from a lingerie catalog. They strolled around scantily clad or relaxed by the pool completely nude. This was the norm most of the time. I was worried about their ages. Some of them seemed quite young and I couldn’t help but question if their mothers were aware of their whereabouts.”

Miles Alexander mentioned that there were times when he had to decline Epstein’s invitations to bring female guests onto the island by boat without registering their identities and passport information with the St. Thomas government.

The couple became increasingly anxious until they ultimately resigned in 2007. During their final meeting, Epstein confessed to Alexander that they had always been his moral compass. Now, Alexander is struggling with their conscience.

This is the topic of several current legal proceedings, however, the allegations are startling.

A legal case brought by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who has accused Prince Andrew, states that Little St James Island was at the heart of a global grooming plot. This scheme involved individuals hired by Epstein who sought out vulnerable young women, manipulated and exploited them, and enticed them with promises of wealth and influence. These women were then coerced into sexual acts with clients, while being controlled through intimidation and extortion tactics.

Ms. Giuffre alleges that Prince Andrew engaged in sexual abuse with her on Little St. James Island when she was 17 years old. The prince has denied these allegations without any hesitation.

On February 15th, Andrew and Ms. Giuffre reached a settlement in their lawsuit, finally bringing an end to their lengthy legal battle in a New York court.

The attorney general’s office in the Virgin Islands also alleges that from 2001 to 2019, the Epstein Enterprise transported underage girls and young women to the Virgin Islands. These individuals were then brought to Little St James via helicopter or private boat, where they were deceitfully subjected to sexual servitude, forced to engage in sexual acts, and coerced into commercial sexual activity and forced labor.

Epstein formed a partnership with various defendants and other individuals and companies in order to carry out his illegal actions. These parties were willing to assist and cover up Epstein’s criminal behavior, in exchange for financial rewards and other perks, such as sexual favors and forced labor from victims.

The complaint states that Little St James was only one part of a larger network of private flights used to transport victims of sex trafficking to various locations such as London, Paris, Tangier, Granada, St Louis, Palm Beach, and Atlantic City. It also mentions that some of the victims were only 12 years old.

According to the complaint, Little St James was used as a prison for the victims and Epstein had complete control over all communication with the outside world. One 15-year-old allegedly attempted to escape by swimming, but Epstein organized a search team, caught her again, and took away her passport.

In 2020, attorney general Denise George stated that it is important to remember that the person in question owns an entire island. This means that it was not possible for a child or young woman to simply escape and seek help from the nearest police station.

A possible victim informed CBS News that she was sexually assaulted in Epstein’s office on St Thomas and that he had a firearm secured to the bedpost in his bedroom on Little St James. According to the complaint, Epstein maintained a digital roster of underage girls in or around the Virgin Islands who could potentially be taken to the island.

Officials made multiple efforts to conduct an investigation on Little St James. Due to his status as a sex offender, Epstein was obligated to update his registration every year and authorities did make an attempt to physically check his listed residence on the island in 2018.

However, as stated in the complaint filed by the attorney general, Epstein denied the officers access to the dock, stating it was his main entrance and insisted on meeting them at his office on St. Thomas. He further implemented confidentiality agreements for his employees, prohibiting them from speaking with law enforcement and mandating them to report any investigations to him.

The complaint states that overseeing a sex offender who has access to private islands and transportation via private planes and helicopters posed specific difficulties and gave the Epstein Enterprise the ability to avoid close examination.

Furthermore, the coral reefs and wildlife in Little St James and Great St James have resulted in the areas being designated as protected. Officials responsible for local planning had suspicions that Epstein had exceeded his building permits. The complaint from the attorney general states that Epstein was fined thousands of dollars for violating environmental regulations, but this amount meant little to him.

The complaint asserts that Epstein’s acquisition of Great St James was a sham to conceal the activities taking place on Little St James. According to the complaint, the island was bought for over $20 million by the Epstein Enterprise in order to prevent others from witnessing their actions or guests.

“Epstein bought these properties in order to hide his actions, avoid being caught by law enforcement or the public, and maintain his illegal activities in secret.”

In December of 2022, the US Virgin Islands initiated legal action in a New York federal court against JPMorgan Chase. The lawsuit accuses the Wall Street bank of being involved in assisting Epstein in trafficking vulnerable women and girls to his two private islands for the purpose of “sexual servitude.”

The attorney general of the US Virgin Islands claimed that JPMorgan assisted in facilitating Epstein’s payments to his enablers and victims.

According to the lawsuit, attorneys for the territory claim that even after being identified as a child sex offender by the bank, Epstein continued to withdraw up to $750,000 annually in cash from his JPMorgan accounts.

The accusations against JPMorgan were denied and they attempted to redirect responsibility for Epstein’s offenses onto prominent officials in the US Virgin Islands. According to their legal team, the USVI protected him from consequences while still benefiting from his wealth.

In the beginning of 2023, the US Virgin Islands discreetly started sending out subpoenas to the bank’s highest-ranking officials and other influential individuals who were involved in the case.

Some of the individuals mentioned include Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan, Elon Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla and owner of Twitter, as well as Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the co-founders of Google.

There is no indication that any of the men were part of Epstein’s illegal activities.

During questioning by attorneys from US Virgin Islands in late May, Mr. Dimon stated under oath that he did not have any recollection of being informed about Epstein or his sexual misconduct until he was arrested in 2019.

“I was first made aware of Epstein’s involvement when the scandal became widespread,” stated Mr. Dimon, a leading figure on Wall Street who has shown interest in pursuing the presidency.

Based on a written record of the recorded statement, Mr. Dimon was presented with an electronic message from Epstein’s former aide indicating that they had planned to meet as early as 2010.

He vehemently stated that he had never scheduled a meeting, never encountered, and never been acquainted with “Jeff Epstein.”

According to legal documents filed in May, JPMorgan alleged that the islands and high-ranking officials allowed Epstein to carry out his illegal actions.

Attorneys representing the bank alleged that influential officials in the US Virgin Islands had been bribed by Epstein and collaborated with him while enjoying the advantages of his riches.

They wrote that he provided them with money, advice, influence, and favors, and in return, they protected and even gave him rewards.

JPMorgan also stated that Epstein had financed a political campaign for a USVI official, who then granted him tax breaks.

In September, just weeks before the trial was scheduled to begin, JPMorgan revealed that they had reached a settlement of $75 million for the case. However, they did not acknowledge any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

The bank announced that it will donate $55 million to charities and organizations in the Virgin Islands focused on combating human trafficking. Additionally, they will provide $20 million to cover the legal costs of the island territory.

In 2019, Epstein passed away while in prison, determined by officials to be a suicide. In June 2023, a harsh report from the US government exposed a series of mistakes that resulted in his death, but upheld the original conclusion.

Afterwards, for a period of approximately two years, the status of Little St James and Great St James remained uncertain as the US Virgin Islands government petitioned a judge for control of Epstein’s former possessions.

The billionaire’s representative opposed the petition, stating their intention to utilize his wealth to establish a relief fund for individuals who have experienced sexual assault. They also requested for the government to lift the freeze on his two islands so that they may be sold.

Ms. George responded by claiming that they mishandled the estate and prioritized expenses such as lawyers, landscaping, and helicopter fees over compensating the courageous women who have come forward for the compensation fund.

However, in November 2022, the US Virgin Islands came to an agreement with the Epstein estate. The agreement stated that the estate would pay the government $105 million and half of the earnings from a future sale of the islands. Additionally, $450,000 would be allocated for repairing any environmental damage.

Officials stated that Epstein had cleared away the remains of historical colonial buildings from the era of slavery.

On May 3, 2023, after determining a definitive plan for the sale, Stephen Deckoff, an investor, declared his intention to purchase both islands for a total of $60 million. His goal is to establish a 25-room high-end resort by the conclusion of 2025.

The amount of money received was less than half of the islands’ original asking price of $125 million.

Currently, Little St James has gained popularity among those with a macabre interest, known as “urban explorers” and social media influencers, who seek to visit the island and create content. Many travelers inquire about it, and some boat operators in the area even include it as a stop on their tours.

In November of 2021, The Independent notified Google about several inappropriate joke reviews on Google Maps for the island. Subsequently, Google took action and removed them.

Vernon Morgan, a cab driver on St Thomas, informed the AP that his preference would be for people to refrain from causing any disturbance. He stated, “It has brought attention to the Virgin Islands in a negative way.”

“We strongly prefer for the Virgin Islands to be viewed in a new perspective.”

This article was initially released in November 2021 and has been revised with additional details. On January 2, 2023, it was corrected. It previously falsely mentioned that Bill Gates was one of the individuals who received a subpoena from the USVI, but this was not the case.

Source: independent.co.uk