The USVI Economic Development Commission
The USVI Economic Development Commission administers the EDC program, which offers federal income tax reductions for qualifying businesses that move operations to the Virgin Islands. The incentives are substantial up to 90% reduction in federal income taxes.
Epstein’s EDC Benefits
Jeffrey Epstein applied for and received EDC benefits through his USVI-based entities. His applications represented his USVI activities as genuine business operations deserving the tax incentives.
The Commerce Department’s Role
The USVI Department of Commerce has oversight functions related to EDC recipient compliance. Proper oversight should have included monitoring of the businesses receiving benefits.
USVI Lawsuit Findings
When the USVI Attorney General filed suit against the Epstein estate in 2020, the lawsuit alleged that Epstein had used USVI structures to facilitate trafficking and had obtained benefits under false pretenses. The USVI’s own Commerce Department had failed to identify or report the criminal activities.
The 2022 Settlement
The settlement resolved the USVI lawsuit. The Epstein estate agreed to pay million. The settlement included provisions addressing the dissolution of Epstein’s USVI corporate entities and victim compensation.