Epstein Purchases Little Saint James Island for $7.95 Million
Jeffrey Epstein purchased the 70-acre private island of Little Saint James in the U.S. Virgin Islands for approximately $7.95 million, establishing the remote base that would become central to his trafficking operation.
People Involved
In late 1998, Jeffrey Epstein purchased Little Saint James, a 70-acre private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, for approximately $7.95 million. The island, located just off the southeastern tip of St. Thomas, became the most notorious location associated with Epstein’s crimes.
The Purchase
The island was largely undeveloped at the time of purchase. Epstein immediately began a major construction project, building a main house, guest cottages, staff quarters, a garage complex, a helipad, and the distinctive pale blue and white structure that was later widely photographed and speculated about in connection with underground passageways.
Development
Over several years, Epstein renovated and expanded the island’s facilities. He installed a desalination system, imported exotic animals including flocks of peacocks and zebras to a nearby area, and constructed what became effectively a self-contained compound. The island was served by internal vehicles, a dock for boats and submarines, and an airstrip area.
Operational Center
Little Saint James became the most-referenced location in victim testimonies about Epstein’s trafficking activities. Numerous women described being brought there by boat from St. Thomas and abused on the island. The relative isolation, private ownership, and offshore jurisdiction made it extremely difficult for law enforcement to surveil or access.
USVI Investigation
The U.S. Virgin Islands eventually brought civil litigation against Epstein’s estate in 2020, citing activities on the island as central to their claims of commercial trafficking within their jurisdiction.