Takeaways from what the Epstein files show about the FBI investigation of possible sex trafficking

The FBI’s extensive investigation into Jeffrey Epstein uncovered substantial evidence of his sexual abuse of underage girls but found limited proof that the financier operated a sex trafficking ring serving powerful men, according to a review of recently released Justice Department records by the Associated Press.

Internal memos reveal that videos and photographs seized from Epstein’s properties in New York, Florida, and the Virgin Islands contained no evidence of abuse or implicated others in his crimes. A prosecutor noted in a 2025 memo that the materials did not depict victims being abused or link anyone else to criminal activity.

Financial records examination, including payments to entities connected with influential figures in academia, finance, and global diplomacy, showed no criminal connection, according to a 2019 internal memo. While “four or five” accusers claimed abuse by other individuals, FBI agents concluded in July that there “was not enough evidence to federally charge these individuals.”

The Justice Department released millions of previously confidential pages under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which media organizations, including the AP, continue to review. It remains possible that these records contain evidence overlooked during the investigation.

The Epstein case began in 2005 when parents reported the molestation of their 14-year-old daughter at his Palm Beach mansion. Then-Miami U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta arranged a controversial plea deal allowing Epstein to serve just 18 months on state charges of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. He was released by mid-2009.

The investigation was reopened in 2018 following Miami Herald reporting on the lenient plea deal. Epstein was arrested in July 2019 but died by suicide in his jail cell a month later. In 2020, prosecutors charged his longtime confidant, Ghislaine Maxwell, with recruiting several victims and participating in abuse. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 and is serving a 20-year sentence.

The newly released documents demonstrate that FBI agents and federal prosecutors thoroughly pursued potential co-conspirators, investigating even seemingly outlandish claims. Many allegations, however, could not be verified.

Investigators twice interviewed Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who had publicly accused Epstein of arranging sexual encounters between her and numerous powerful men, including Britain’s former Prince Andrew. While confirming that Giuffre had been sexually abused by Epstein, investigators found inconsistencies in her accounts. She acknowledged writing a partially fictionalized memoir about her experiences with Epstein containing fabricated events, and her statements to investigators varied over time.

Two other Epstein victims whom Giuffre claimed were also “lent out” to powerful men told investigators they had no such experiences, according to a 2019 internal memo.

The substantial collection of media seized from Epstein’s properties included CDs, photographs, and at least one videotape containing nude images of females. However, then-Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey wrote last year that none showed victims being sexually abused, none depicted males with nude females, and none implicated anyone other than Epstein and Maxwell.

“Had they existed, the government would have pursued any leads they generated,” Comey wrote. “We did not, however, locate any such videos.”

Bank records analysis revealed payments to over 25 women who appeared to be models but no evidence that Epstein was providing women to other men. Prosecutors considered charging some of Epstein’s close associates, including an assistant and business clients, but decided against it due to insufficient evidence.

Despite former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s February 2025 claim on Fox News that Epstein’s “client list” was “sitting on my desk right now,” FBI agents reported to superiors that no such list existed. In December 2024, then-FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate inquired whether the investigation had uncovered the “client list” often referenced in media. An FBI official confirmed the following day that no such list had been found.

Two days before Bondi’s television appearance, an FBI supervisory special agent wrote: “While media coverage of the Jeffrey Epstein case references a ‘client list,’ investigators did not locate such a list during the course of the investigation.”

The AP is reviewing the Justice Department documents in collaboration with journalists from CBS, NBC, MS NOW, and CNBC, sharing information while each outlet produces independent coverage.