The USVI-Epstein Estate Settlement
The U.S. Virgin Islands reached a landmark ** million settlement** with Jeffrey Epstein’s estate in January 2024, resolving years of civil litigation. This was one of the largest settlements arising from the Epstein case.
Background: The USVI Lawsuit
In January 2020, USVI Attorney General Denise George filed a sweeping civil lawsuit against the Epstein estate alleging:
- Sex trafficking of women and girls at Little St. James and Great St. James islands
- Labor trafficking of workers at his properties
- Money laundering through his USVI-based corporations
- Exploitation of the USVI’s Economic Development Commission tax program to fund criminal activity
George was fired shortly after filing the lawsuit raising questions about political interference but the case continued under her successors.
Settlement Terms
The million settlement included:
- Direct payment to the USVI government
- Requirements for estate cooperation with ongoing investigations
- Dissolution of certain Epstein USVI entities
- No admission of liability by the estate
Significance
The settlement represented a major accountability moment. Epstein had used the USVI’s tax incentive program to shield tens of millions from U.S. taxation while allegedly committing crimes there. The settlement effectively clawed back some of those benefits.