What is the USVI lawsuit against Epstein’s estate?

The government of the U.S. Virgin Islands filed two landmark lawsuits related to Epstein’s trafficking activities that centered on the USVI — where Epstein owned Little Saint James and Great Saint James islands.

Lawsuit #1: Against Epstein’s Estate (Filed 2020)

The USVI Attorney General Denise George filed a lawsuit alleging that Epstein used the USVI — specifically his islands in the USVI — as a base of operations for sex trafficking, causing direct harm to the territory and its residents. The lawsuit alleged violations of USVI trafficking laws, civil RICO, and other statutes.

The case settled in November 2022 for $105 million. The settlement required the estate to provide documents, cooperate with the USVI’s ongoing investigations, and pay the substantial sum to the territory. It was the largest settlement Epstein’s estate reached with any governmental entity.

Lawsuit #2: Against JPMorgan (Filed 2022)

Building on evidence gathered from the estate lawsuit, the USVI filed a separate civil lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase, alleging the bank knowingly processed transactions that facilitated Epstein’s USVI-based trafficking network and thereby violated USVI trafficking laws.

This case settled for $75 million in September 2023. JPMorgan did not admit wrongdoing.

Significance of USVI Jurisdiction: The USVI lawsuits were notable because they applied USVI law in addition to federal law, creating an additional legal avenue. USVI trafficking statutes are potentially broader in application than some federal counterparts.

AG Denise George: Denise George was removed as USVI Attorney General by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. in January 2023, shortly after the JPMorgan lawsuit was filed, in circumstances that generated significant public controversy. She has stated she was fired for pursuing the Epstein-Goldman lawsuit.