The Safe Discovery
During the July 6–8, 2019 search of Epstein’s nine-story Manhattan townhouse at 9 East 71st Street, FBI agents located and opened a locked safe. The contents of the safe became central evidence in the government’s argument against bail.
Documented Contents
Per federal court filings, the safe contained:
The Saudi Passport
A fraudulent Saudi Arabian passport bearing Epstein’s photograph under an alias, issued in the early 1980s and listing a Saudi Arabian address. The document had been expired for decades.
Foreign Currency
Large amounts of cash in multiple foreign currencies, including:
- US dollars
- Euros
- Other international currencies
The total cash value was not publicly specified but described as substantial.
Diamonds
Dozens of diamonds — individually wrapped stones of apparently high quality. The prosecution noted the diamonds were portable high-value assets that could be easily transported internationally without triggering currency reporting requirements.
The Photographs and Documents
A collection of photographs and documents that prosecutors described as showing “young-looking women or girls.” The specific nature of these materials was not fully disclosed in public filings, but their description supported the prosecution’s characterization of Epstein’s activities.
Some documents reportedly listed women’s names, phone numbers, and physical descriptions in a format suggesting a database of contacts.
Prosecution’s Use of the Evidence
At Epstein’s bail hearing, prosecutors used the safe’s contents to argue:
- Flight risk: Foreign currency and diamonds are precisely the assets someone would hold for rapid international flight
- False identity: The fake passport demonstrated capability and planning for flight under assumed name
- Continued criminal activity: The photographs suggested ongoing criminal conduct
Judge Berman’s Ruling
Judge Richard Berman denied bail on August 5, 2019, citing the safe’s contents among multiple factors establishing Epstein as an exceptional flight risk.
Security of the Safe
The safe was reportedly a high-quality installed safe within the mansion. Access required either knowledge of the combination or tools to force entry. The FBI obtained the combination through legal process or had the safe opened by specialists.