The U.S. Department of Justice released millions of new documents related to Jeffrey Epstein on January 30. Epstein, a convicted sex offender who abused underage girls, died by suicide in 2019.
This batch of documents, unveiled in the final week of January, represents the largest release ever published by the U.S. government since Congress passed the Epstein Transparency Act in November 2025.
The latest release, dated Friday, January 30, encompasses a staggering three million pages, alongside 180,000 photos and 2,000 videos. Prominent public figures such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and former British royal Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are mentioned repeatedly throughout these extensive files.
A search using the keyword “Indonesia” within the Epstein document catalog yielded 902 files, featuring the names of several Indonesian public figures, including officials and businesspeople. However, unlike the controversies sparked in the U.S., the UK, and other nations, the presence of Indonesian names in the Epstein files has not generated a similar polemic locally. So far, there has been no evidence suggesting that the Indonesians named in the catalog had a direct relationship with Epstein.
According to Muhammad Fatahillah Akbar, a criminal law lecturer at Gadjah Mada University, the mere inclusion of an Indonesian name in the files does not automatically imply criminal involvement. “If a name is mentioned without any direct link to an unlawful act, generally there is no issue. So, it simply serves as public information made available under U.S. law,” Akbar told BBC News Indonesia.
In the United Kingdom, the latest Epstein file release has put pressure on former British Ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson. Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party, stating he did not wish to “cause prolonged embarrassment.” This decision by Mandelson was a direct consequence of his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
“This weekend, I have become increasingly associated with the understandable furore around Jeffrey Epstein. I regret and am sorry for this,” Mandelson stated in his letter to the Labour Party’s General Secretary on February 1. “I want to take this opportunity to reiterate my apology to the women and girls whose voices should have been heard long ago. I have dedicated my life to the values and success of the Labour Party, and by taking this decision to step down, I believe I am acting in the party’s best interests.”
The latest publication of the Epstein files came six weeks after the U.S. Department of Justice missed its deadline to upload the documents to the public. “Today’s publication marks the conclusion of a very comprehensive document identification and review process to ensure compliance and transparency for the American people,” stated U.S. Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche.
Beyond the names of celebrities previously mentioned in earlier publications, these millions of new pages also contain details about Jeffrey Epstein’s period of incarceration, psychological reports, and his death while in prison. The documents also include records of investigations related to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate who was convicted of aiding him in the trafficking of underage girls. Emails exchanged between Epstein and other prominent figures are also found within the released document files.
Many of these emails and documents date back over a decade, illustrating Epstein’s relationships with various figures amidst his legal troubles. Epstein was convicted in 2008 in Florida for soliciting sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl, receiving a lenient sentence after a controversial plea deal with prosecutors. He died in August 2019 while awaiting trial on charges in a wider sex trafficking case.
Controversy in the United Kingdom
The decision by former British Ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, to resign from the Labour Party occurred two days after the latest publication of the Epstein files. Mandelson had previously been dismissed from his ambassadorial post in September 2025. Referring to the latest files, Mandelson appears to have provided support to Epstein.
According to various documents, Epstein reportedly gave Mandelson $75,000 (equivalent to approximately Rp 1.2 billion) in three separate transactions between 2003 and 2004. However, Mandelson denied this, stating he had no record or recollection of receiving such payments. “The allegation which I do not believe to be true that he made financial payments to me 20 years ago. I need to investigate further,” Mandelson stated, also casting doubt on the authenticity of the Epstein files released by the U.S. government. “While doing this, I do not wish to cause prolonged embarrassment to the Labour Party, and I am therefore stepping down from party membership,” he added.
In addition to financial transactions, the Epstein files also indicate that Mandelson once requested to stay at one of Epstein’s properties. This finding refers to several emails dated June 16, 2009. On that date, Epstein was serving a prison sentence for involvement in prostitution involving a minor. During his incarceration at the time, Epstein was still permitted to work from his office during the day and return to prison each night. Mandelson expressed regret over his friendship with Epstein, asserting that he never witnessed any wrongdoing while with Epstein and was “duped by his lies.”
Other Celebrities from Sarah Ferguson to Richard Branson
Beyond Mandelson, many names from the British elite are recorded in the Epstein documents. Another figure mentioned again is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Some documents include emails between Epstein and someone named “The Duke,” believed to be an initial for Andrew. One email discusses a dinner at Buckingham Palace that “had lots of privacy.” Another message from Epstein contains an offer to introduce “The Duke” to a 26-year-old Russian woman. These emails are signed with the initial ‘A’ and a signature that appears to read “HRH Duke of York KG.” Several of these electronic messages were sent in August 2010, two years after Epstein pleaded guilty to charges of recruiting minors.
In the latest release of files, there is also a photo purportedly showing the former prince kneeling over a woman lying on the floor. Another email dated February 2011 casts doubt on Andrew’s claim that he had cut ties with Epstein the previous year. Andrew has faced years of scrutiny over his past friendship with Epstein. BBC has contacted Andrew, previously known as the Duke of York, for comment; he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Some emails in the latest release are also alleged to have occurred between Epstein and Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife. One email dated April 4, 2009, is signed “Love, Sarah, The red Head.!!” The email informed Epstein that Sarah Ferguson would be in Palm Beach and wanted to have tea. It also discussed ideas for Sarah’s company, Mother’s Army. The former Duchess of York addressed Epstein in the email as: “My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey.” Sarah also dubbed Epstein a legend, writing, “I am so proud of you.” When this email was sent, Epstein, a financial planner, was still under house arrest due to his 2008 conviction.
Hundreds of mentions of Richard Branson, the British founder of Virgin Group, also appear in the files. In an email from 2013, Branson told Epstein, “it was very nice to meet you.” Another phrase conveyed by Branson was, “Any time you’re around here, I want to see you. As long as you bring your harem!” Virgin Group clarified that “harem” referred to three adult members of Epstein’s team. “Richard and Joan Branson’s contact with Epstein only occurred on a few occasions over 12 years ago and was limited to group or business events, such as charity tennis events,” Virgin Group stated.
Another foreign figure mentioned is Slovakia’s national security advisor to the prime minister, Miroslav Lajčák. He resigned after his text messages with Epstein were revealed in the files. The messages, from 2018, show them discussing women as well as a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov. After Epstein sent a photo that is not visible in the files, Lajčák replied: “Why didn’t you invite me for this game? I’ll bring ‘MI’ girls.” Despite being emphasized in the document, an appearance in these files is not an indication of wrongdoing. According to Slovak media, Lajčák initially denied discussing women with Epstein when the files were released on Friday. He reportedly later decided to resign to avoid politically harming Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico.
Trump Mentioned Hundreds of Times
The name of former U.S. President, Donald Trump, appears hundreds of times in the newly released files. Trump had a friendship with Epstein, but Trump claims their relationship deteriorated years ago. He has also denied any knowledge of Epstein’s sexual crimes. Among the newly released files is a list compiled by the FBI in 2025 regarding allegations made against Trump by anonymous callers to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center. Many of these allegations are based on unverified information, but were received by the agency and submitted without supporting evidence. The list includes various sexual abuse allegations directed at Trump, Epstein, and a number of other prominent figures.
Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. When asked about the latest allegations, both the White House and the Department of Justice referred to a statement in the press release accompanying the new edition of the files. “Some of the documents contain sensational and untrue claims against President Trump. These were submitted to the FBI just before the 2020 election,” the U.S. Department of Justice stated. “To be clear, those claims are unfounded and false, and had there been even an iota of credibility, they would have certainly been used to attack President Trump.”
Besides Trump’s name, documentary filmmaker Brett Ratner, who directed a film about Melania Trump, also appears in the files. In a photo within the files, Ratner is seen hugging a young woman. In another photo, Ratner, who also directed the films Rush Hour and X-Men: The Last Stand, is seen sitting on a sofa next to Epstein and two redacted women. BBC has contacted Ratner’s representatives for a response, but received no answer.
Elon Musk, Epstein, and the Wildest Party on the Island
The documents also include email correspondence between Epstein and technology billionaire and high-ranking U.S. government official, Elon Musk. Elon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing in this case, previously stated that he had once declined Epstein’s invitation to an island. The latest email files reveal that Elon discussed trips to the island on more than one occasion. One discussion involved a proposed trip in 2012, where Elon asked Epstein, “What day or night would be the wildest party on your island?”
An email from November 2012 shows Epstein asking Elon about the number of people he should bring in a helicopter to the island. In response, Elon stated it would only be himself and his then-wife, Talulah Riley. Furthermore, an email from Elon to Epstein on Christmas 2012 included a question about whether the businessman had party plans, as he needed to “blow off some steam.” “I’ve been working to the edge of sanity this year. So after my kids go home after Christmas, I really want to go to a party in St Barts or somewhere and have fun,” Elon wrote. Elon added that a “quiet island experience” was the opposite of what he wanted.
In a series of other emails in late 2013, Elon and Epstein discussed visits to Epstein’s island, arranging logistics and dates. There is no evidence that Elon ever actually traveled to Epstein’s island. Elon tweeted on X on Saturday that he was “well aware that some email correspondence with [Epstein] could be misinterpreted and used by his opponents to defame me.” He continued, “I don’t care about that, but what I do care about is that we at least try to prosecute those who committed serious crimes with Epstein, especially regarding the heinous exploitation of underage girls.”
Bill Gates Denies Sensational Claims from Epstein
A spokesperson for Microsoft founder Bill Gates has responded to sensational allegations in the latest Epstein files, including claims that Gates was infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Gates’ representative described the accusation as “absolutely absurd and completely untrue.” Two emails sent on July 18, 2013, appear to have been written by Epstein, though it is unclear whether they were ever sent to Gates. These two emails were sent from Epstein’s email account and returned to the same account; no email account associated with Gates was involved.
One of the two emails was drafted as a resignation letter from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Epstein also complained about having to buy medicine for Gates “to deal with the consequences of having sex with Russian girls.” The other email, which began with “Dear Bill,” described objections to Gates ending their friendship. Epstein then made claims about Gates’ efforts to conceal a sexually transmitted infection, including from his then-wife, Melinda. A Gates spokesperson told BBC, “These claims from a proven liar who was disgruntled are utterly absurd and completely false.” The spokesperson added, “These documents only show Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths to which he would go to entrap and defame.”
Criticism Regarding Victim Identification
Gloria Allred, a women’s rights attorney who has represented many Epstein victims, told BBC that the names of several victims have been disclosed in the latest release, including some who had not previously been publicly identified. “In some cases… they redacted the names, but you can still read the names,” she said. “In other cases, they featured photos of victims – victims who had never given a public interview or revealed their names publicly.”
Many of the latest Epstein documents contain significant redactions. The law mandates that redactions only be made to protect victims or information under investigation. The law also requires a summary of the redactions and their legal basis. The U.S. Department of Justice stated they “worked tirelessly to address victim concerns, close additional private information, and files requiring further redaction in accordance with the law, including sexually explicit images.” Allred noted that while her legal team is working to notify the department of areas requiring additional redaction to protect victims’ identities, “many people have already downloaded the files.”
Are All Epstein Files Released?
It remains unclear whether this marks the final wave of Epstein documents. Blanche stated that the document release in late January “marks the conclusion of a very comprehensive document identification and review process,” signaling that its task is complete, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. However, the U.S. Democratic Party continues to argue that the department has withheld too many documents, potentially around two and a half million files, without adequate reason.
U.S. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, who co-led the Epstein Document Transparency Act with Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, expressed concern. “The DOJ says it identified over 6 million potentially relevant pages, but only released about 3.5 million pages after review and redaction,” he said. “This raises questions about why the rest were withheld.” The DOJ has been under scrutiny after missing a December 19 deadline to release all files in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Congress approved and signed into law last November. However, it is not yet clear whether these various controversies have concluded.
Many parties, including some of Trump’s supporters, have long believed in a conspiracy to protect wealthy and powerful individuals linked to Epstein. Speaking to ABC earlier in February, Blanche said that aside from a “small number of documents” that might be released if approved by a judge, the DOJ’s review of Epstein-related files “is complete.”
Additional reporting by Jack Fenwick, Chi Chi Izundu, and Amy Walker
- What and who is in the Epstein documents?
- Trump in the Jeffrey Epstein files vortex – Is it true the US President was involved?
- Andrew loses UK ‘prince’ title due to sex scandal
- What and who is in the Epstein documents?
- Trump in the Jeffrey Epstein files vortex – Is it true the US President was involved?
- Jeffrey Epstein child sex trafficking scandal: Which prominent figures are named in the recently released court documents?
Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice recently released millions of new documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking the largest disclosure since the Epstein Transparency Act. These extensive files, comprising three million pages, photos, and videos, repeatedly name prominent figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Prince Andrew. Although 902 files mention “Indonesia” and include public figures, there is no evidence of their direct involvement with Epstein, and legal experts state mere mention does not imply criminal activity.
The documents detail controversies surrounding individuals such as Peter Mandelson, who resigned from the Labour Party following financial allegations he denies, and Prince Andrew, whose emails with Epstein suggested private meetings. Elon Musk’s correspondence discussed visiting Epstein’s island, while Bill Gates’s spokesperson refuted “absurd and untrue” claims drafted by Epstein. Additionally, the release sparked concerns over the inadvertent disclosure of some victims’ identities and questions about the completeness of the document publication.