Newly released Justice Department documents show disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein cultivated ties with powerful figures across the Middle East, seeking access to sensitive political and economic information while offering advice on regional affairs, according to a review of the records.
The documents are part of millions of pages disclosed under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, prompting renewed scrutiny of the disgraced financier's global network and influence.
The records, examined by the Miami Herald, describe Epstein's relationships with individuals in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates, where he positioned himself as an informal adviser on geopolitics, legal disputes, and financial matters.
Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, maintained a wide-ranging international network even after his 2008 conviction in Florida, allowing him to continue building connections among wealthy and politically connected figures.
According to the Herald's review, Epstein "enjoyed a remarkable level of access to sensitive information like the outcomes of political meetings and the itineraries of Gulf royals," and hosted foreign elites at residences in New York, Palm Beach, and Paris.
In a 2016 exchange with Saudi officials, Epstein criticized plans to publicly list shares of Saudi Aramco, writing that the proposal was "silly" and warning that Wall Street viewed it as "taking a cow to slaughter."
He added, "Shareholders are the last thing the kingdom [Saudi Arabia] needs."
Epstein also proposed a formal role for himself in the kingdom, stating, "I am happy to represent KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] interests," while requesting to live in a "small palace" and serve as a financial confidant to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The documents show Epstein offering advice during the 2017 Gulf crisis, urging a member of Qatar’s ruling family to take a more aggressive stance.
"[Q]atar should stop kicking and arguing," Epstein wrote, adding, "Qatar needs to come out against terrorism LOUD … FM [Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al-Thani] is not experienced and it shows."
Some of the communications included crude and explicit language.
In a 2013 email, an Emirati businessman wrote, "She wanted some BUSINESS! while I only wanted some PUSSYNESS! [sic.]," to which Epstein replied, "Praise Allah, there are still people like you."
The documents also show Epstein involving himself in legal matters.
In 2012, he advised Yemeni billionaire Shaher Abdulhak on his son's case in Britain, suggesting a focus on "what punishment would be acceptable."
Abdulhak responded, "I think you are right, something like house arrest, plus charity work."
Even during a 2009 jail sentence in Florida, Epstein remained engaged with international contacts, assisting an Emirati businessman seeking British government backing for a port project.
After the effort advanced, Epstein wrote, "Im [sic.] proud of you."
U.S. officials have not alleged that Epstein held any formal government position abroad, and some foreign sources cautioned that he may have exaggerated his influence.
"Epstein was responsible for serious crimes that caused significant harm to many victims," a Saudi source said. "He was known to exaggerate and misrepresent his connections."
The Justice Department has released more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related material, though questions remain about the completeness of the disclosures and the extent of his international dealings.
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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