Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious financier accused of sex trafficking and various other crimes, has been linked to two major financial institutions in recent weeks. JPMorgan Chase & Co., one of the largest banks in the world, was identified by prosecutors as having received payments from Epstein, while Jes Staley, the CEO of Barclays, was recently reported to have formed a close relationship with Epstein in the past.
Epstein’s connections to JPMorgan Chase were first revealed by federal prosecutors in 2019, when they alleged that the bank had received $3.6 million in payments from Epstein between 2013 and 2017. The transactions reportedly involved payments from an offshore entity controlled by Epstein, as well as from his own bank accounts. It is unclear what the payments may have been for, however, as prosecutors have so far declined to elaborate.
The accusations about JPMorgan Chase come as the bank is facing increased scrutiny for its role in processing transactions for the late sex offender. The bank is currently facing a lawsuit from the widow of a victim of Epstein’s abuse, who alleges that JPMorgan Chase allowed the financier to move money around the world without proper oversight.
Meanwhile, Barclays’ CEO Jes Staley has faced criticism for his reported relationship with Epstein. According to reports, Staley had a close relationship with Epstein dating back to the 1990s, when the financier was a prominent figure in the world of finance. The reports also allege that Staley sought Epstein’s advice on various business matters.
Though Staley has denied any wrongdoing, the reports have raised questions about the close ties between the two men. Critics have argued that Staley’s relationship with Epstein may have enabled the financier to gain access to the world of finance and facilitated the alleged crimes he is accused of.
The reports about the links between Epstein and two major financial institutions have raised serious questions about the role of the financial system in facilitating alleged crimes and have further highlighted the need for more stringent oversight of the sector. It remains unclear what the consequences of the revelations about JPMorgan Chase and Barclays will be, but the revelations certainly add to the ongoing scrutiny of the financial system.