Reports of Underground Tunnels
Multiple sources — principally construction workers who worked on Little Saint James — have described the existence of an extensive underground tunnel system beneath the island. These accounts emerged through:
- Investigative journalism post-2019
- Accounts from contractors who worked on the island
- Reports from investigators who examined the property
What Has Been Described
Accounts of the tunnel system describe:
- Tunnels connecting the main residence to other buildings on the compound
- An underground chamber or room accessible via the tunnels
- Construction over multiple phases, with tunnels being added over several years
- Reinforced construction suggesting they were meant as permanent structures, not utility runs
The “Temple” Building
Above ground, the most photographed anomaly on Little Saint James is the blue-and-white striped building on the island’s highest point, widely referred to as the “temple.” Satellite and aerial photographs show:
- A structure resembling a Greek or Middle Eastern temple with gold dome (later damaged/replaced)
- Stairs leading to an entrance
- Construction suggesting it was a substantial enclosed space
Contractors have described the temple structure as connected to the underground tunnel system.
FBI Investigation
Following Epstein’s 2019 arrest, the FBI executed a search warrant on Little Saint James. The nature of what was discovered during that search has never been fully disclosed publicly. The execution of the warrant suggests investigators had probable cause to believe evidence of crimes was present.
Construction Records
The construction history of Little Saint James’s underground structures is difficult to trace because:
- Permits in USVI for private islands are less publicly accessible
- Contractors were reportedly bound by NDAs
- Island development records were held by Epstein entities
What the Tunnels Tell Us
Regardless of their specific purpose (speculations range from utility tunnels to something more sinister), the existence of an elaborate underground tunnel system demonstrates:
- The extraordinary resources Epstein devoted to his island compound
- The level of planning that went into the property’s construction
- The unusual secrecy maintained around construction activities