Epstein's victims urge Congress to compel Trump administration to release financial records

Survivors of Jeffrey Epsteins abuse are pushing Congress to enact legislation that would require the Trump administration to provide banking records, potentially revealing the financial mechanisms supporting the late sex offenders operations. The proposed measure, introduced by Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, would mandate the Treasury Department to share documents with Senate investigators who have been examining Epsteins financial network for several years.

Attorneys representing the survivors emphasized that these records are essential to uncovering how Epstein financed a cross-border criminal organization that exploited numerous women and girls. They stated, For years, Epstein and his associates have hidden the extensive wealth that fueled his long-running sex trafficking scheme.

Wydens investigation has gained urgency as the Trump administration repeatedly downplayed public and congressional interest in the case, with the Department of Justice asserting there is no basis for releasing certain federal investigation documents. Epstein, who faced charges central to a broader child trafficking network, died in jail before standing trial.

After sustained pressure and reluctant approval from the president for Republican support, Congress recently passed a bill compelling the Justice Department to release the so-called Epstein files. However, Wydens legislation targets records not included in that release. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has consistently refused to provide these documents, according to Wydens office.

The survivors legal representatives urged senators to quickly approve the bill, highlighting the importance of full transparency. Once enacted, the Treasury Department would have 30 days to deliver suspicious activity reports from accounts linked to Epstein and his alleged co-conspirators. These records are intended to uncover potential illegal activities.

The bill also seeks financial records from other high-profile individuals connected to Epstein, including Ghislaine Maxwell, and related banking institutions. Additionally, the Treasury Department would be required to submit a report detailing all investigations into financial accounts tied to Epstein.

Wydens office has previously flagged suspicious activity reports from JPMorgan, noting $4.3 million in Epstein transactions between 2002 and 2016. The bank reportedly delayed filing reports on $1.3 billion in transactions until after Epsteins 2019 arrest and subsequent death.

In 2023, JPMorgan Chase settled a class-action lawsuit with survivors for $230 million over allegations that it facilitated Epsteins criminal activities. Wyden stated, Congress has already passed legislation regarding the Justice Department files, and now we must do the same for Treasury records.

Confidential Treasury and IRS filings could shed light on the extensive financing behind Epsteins alleged sex trafficking operations in New York, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Wyden noted that these records, withheld by Secretary Bessent, would map Epsteins financial network and clarify who supported and participated in his trafficking activities.

Author: Lucas Grant