UN Experts Suggest Probe Into How It Was Possible for Epstein Sex Crimes to Be Committed for So Long

Independent human rights experts from the United Nations have issued a severe warning regarding the crimes of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement released by independent experts, the group suggested that the abuse committed by Epstein and his associates was so widespread that it may legally count as 'crimes against humanity'. This marks a significant escalation in how international bodies view the scandal.

Scale of Atrocities Meets Legal Threshold

The panel, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, reviewed millions of files recently released by the US Department of Justice. They concluded that the operation resembled a 'global criminal enterprise' rather than the actions of a single man. The experts noted that the crimes were fuelled by supremacist beliefs, racism, corruption and extreme hatred of women.

According to their assessment, the abuse showed a 'commodification and dehumanisation' of women and girls. The statement read: 'So grave is the scale, nature, systematic character, and transnational reach of these atrocities against women and girls, that a number of them may reasonably meet the legal threshold of crimes against humanity.'

This legal term is usually reserved for large-scale atrocities during conflicts or totalitarian regimes. Applying it to a sex trafficking ring highlights the massive scope of the abuse. The experts are now calling for a full, independent investigation into how these crimes were allowed to continue for decades without intervention from authorities.

New Laws and Botched Redactions

The release of these files follows a new law approved by the US Congress in November with support from both major political parties. The legislation required the Department of Justice to make all Epstein-related documents public. However, the rollout of these documents has faced serious criticism.

The UN experts raised urgent concerns about 'serious compliance failures' during the release. They pointed to 'botched redactions', which are blacked-out sections of text meant to protect privacy. In some cases, these redactions failed, exposing the sensitive personal information of victims. The documents have identified more than 1,200 victims so far, a number much higher than many previous estimates.

The experts criticised the handling of the release, stating: 'The reluctance to fully disclose information or broaden investigations has left many survivors feeling retraumatised and subjected to what they describe as "institutional gaslighting".'

Connections to Power and Wealth

The files have once again highlighted Epstein's deep connections to powerful figures in politics, finance, academia and business. The documents cover a long period, including years before and after Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution charges in 2008. While Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019, and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a prison sentence, the UN experts believe the full network of enablers has not yet been exposed.

The documents confirm that Epstein used his wealth and status to shield his activities. The UN panel insists that an inquiry must determine how institutions failed to stop him. The US Department of Justice has not yet issued a formal response to the UN statement.

Global Implications and Calls for Reform

The experts also highlighted the transnational nature of the crimes. Epstein's network was not limited to the United States; it involved locations and individuals across Europe and the Caribbean. By categorising the operation as a 'global criminal enterprise', the UN is effectively calling for cross-border cooperation to ensure that suspects cannot hide behind diplomatic or jurisdictional boundaries.

The panel also reiterated their concerns regarding the botched release of the files. They noted that while transparency is vital, the failure to properly redact sensitive information has caused further harm to survivors. They argued that a true commitment to justice involves not only prosecuting the perpetrators but also protecting the dignity and safety of those who were abused.