Epstein Accountant Testifies About Wealth And Powerful Connections/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime accountant testified before Congress about the financier’s wealth and connections to powerful figures. Lawmakers are investigating how Epstein built his fortune and maintained relationships with influential individuals. The testimony is part of a broader House Oversight probe into Epstein’s finances and trafficking network.
Epstein Accountant Testimony Quick Looks
- Richard Kahn, Epstein’s longtime accountant, testified before Congress.
- The testimony occurred during a closed-door House Oversight Committee deposition.
- Lawmakers are examining Epstein’s financial network and wealth sources.
- Epstein reportedly made hundreds of millions of dollars over two decades.
- Kahn said he never personally witnessed sexual abuse by Epstein.
- Epstein had financial ties to figures including Les Wexner and Leon Black.
- Lawmakers reviewed more than 40,000 documents from major banks.
- Epstein was connected to at least 64 business entities.
- Investigators are examining how Epstein funded his trafficking operation.
- The inquiry aims to determine how Epstein maintained influence for years.
Deep Look
Congress Examines Epstein’s Financial Network
Members of Congress are intensifying their investigation into the financial network of Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier accused of trafficking and sexually abusing underage girls.
As part of the probe, Richard Kahn — Epstein’s longtime accountant and executor of his estate — appeared before the House Oversight Committee for a closed-door deposition.
Lawmakers say the testimony could provide important insight into how Epstein accumulated vast wealth and maintained connections with influential figures around the world.
Kahn worked closely with Epstein for years, managing aspects of his finances and business dealings.
During the deposition, he described how Epstein built a fortune reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars over roughly two decades.
Epstein’s Wealth and Business Relationships
According to lawmakers present at the deposition, Kahn said he believed Epstein made his fortune working as a tax adviser and financial planner.
Rep. James Comer, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, said the testimony helped shed light on the sources of Epstein’s wealth.
Kahn also confirmed that Epstein received substantial financial support from several wealthy individuals and business figures.
Those included:
- Retail executive Les Wexner
- Hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin
- Technology entrepreneur Steven Sinofsky
- Investor Leon Black
- Members of the Rothschild banking family
None of these individuals have been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein.
However, lawmakers say understanding the financier’s business relationships is key to explaining how he was able to operate for years without facing serious legal consequences.
Investigating the Financial Structure
The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed tens of thousands of financial records as part of the investigation.
Comer said the committee has already reviewed more than 40,000 documents obtained from major financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank.
The records show that Epstein was connected to at least 64 different business entities, suggesting a complex financial structure.
Lawmakers hope these documents will help reveal how Epstein moved money, paid associates and financed his operations.
Democratic Rep. James Walkinshaw said the investigation aims to uncover the financial system that supported Epstein’s crimes.
“Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring would not have been possible without the financial structure around him,” Walkinshaw said.
Payments to Victims and Survivors
Lawmakers also questioned Kahn about payments that Epstein made over the years.
Investigators say those payments included settlements with victims and other financial transfers that may have helped Epstein avoid scrutiny.
Walkinshaw said Kahn acknowledged authorizing payments while managing Epstein’s finances.
However, the accountant reportedly told lawmakers he could not recall details about some of the transactions discussed during the deposition.
Kahn has repeatedly said he was unaware of Epstein’s sexual abuse and had never personally encountered any of Epstein’s victims.
Additional International Connections
The testimony also revealed that Epstein had financial ties to international figures.
Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam said Kahn confirmed that Epstein had business dealings with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
Barak served as Israel’s prime minister from 1999 to 2001.
He has previously said he regrets his friendship with Epstein but has denied any wrongdoing.
Lawmakers say they are reviewing these international relationships to better understand Epstein’s global network.
Trump and Epstein Financial Questions
The investigation has also touched on former connections between Epstein and prominent public figures.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
According to Comer, Kahn testified that he had never seen financial transactions between Epstein and Trump.
Comer said multiple witnesses interviewed by the committee have similarly stated they were not aware of any improper conduct involving Trump and Epstein.
Goal of the Congressional Investigation
The House Oversight Committee says its investigation is focused on understanding how Epstein was able to operate his trafficking network for so long.
Lawmakers are examining potential failures by financial institutions, government agencies and other entities that may have overlooked warning signs.
Comer said the goal is to provide transparency and answers to the public.
“The investigation is about getting the truth to the American people,” he said.
By mapping Epstein’s financial relationships and business operations, investigators hope to uncover how the financier maintained influence among powerful individuals despite mounting allegations of abuse.
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