>>511126965Shadowy Dealings and Intelligence Whispers (1981–1989)
After leaving Bear Stearns, Epstein launched Intercontinental Assets Group, marketing himself as a "financial bounty hunter." He reportedly recovered embezzled funds for governments and the wealthy, while also working for clients accused of embezzlement. Notably, Epstein claimed at various times to be an intelligence asset.
During this period, Epstein worked with notorious Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, who helped funnel U.S. weapons to Iran in the Iran–Contra affair, a transaction linked to Israeli intelligence operations. Epstein also acquired an Austrian passport under a false identity listing Saudi Arabia as his residence, hinting at clandestine activities.
His consulting work for Steven Hoffenberg at Towers Financial ended before the firm was exposed as a massive Ponzi scheme. Yet Epstein emerged unscathed, raising questions about protection from higher powers.
Power Consolidation: Leslie Wexner and Absolute Control (1986–2008)
Epstein’s most pivotal relationship was with Leslie Wexner, Jewish billionaire and CEO of L Brands. Meeting in 1986, Epstein rapidly became Wexner’s financial advisor and, by 1991, was granted full power of attorney. This allowed Epstein to control Wexner’s vast fortune, real estate, and even personal decisions.
Through Wexner, Epstein embedded himself in Jewish philanthropic networks like the Wexner Foundation and Heritage Foundation, both tied closely to Israel.
Epstein’s wealth grew exponentially during this period. He began acquiring properties, including his now infamous Manhattan mansion, and hobnobbed with media moguls like Mortimer Zuckerman and Bruce Wasserstein, both Jewish, and even rival bidder Harvey Weinstein.
In 2008, as federal charges loomed over Epstein for sex trafficking, U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta reportedly said he was told to "leave it alone" because Epstein "belonged to intelligence" and was "above his pay grade."