Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Greece appears more than 1,500 times in Jeffrey Epstein’s files, sparking international interest.
While the references do not implicate Greece or its citizens in criminal activity, the documents detail extensive financial discussions, travel plans, and private island interests.
Most mentions focus on financial and economic matters rather than personal or criminal reports. Epstein exchanged emails with academics, analysts, and investors regarding Greece’s economic crisis, bank bailouts, debt swaps, and government bonds between 2010 and 2015. A 2015 email dialogue with Noam Chomsky discussed Greece’s bailout and banking practices, reflecting Epstein’s engagement with high-level financial commentary.
The documents also include correspondence about strategic investments in Greece and Central and Eastern Europe. Epstein consulted with the late George G. Mantzavinatos about timing investment opportunities, particularly in the Greek banking sector, as the country navigated agreements with the EU and IMF. Exchanges with Ariane de Rothschild discuss political developments, including Greece’s finance ministry leadership changes, and their impact on negotiations with the Eurozone.
Epstein’s interest extended beyond finance to Greek islands, including Patmos and Skorpios, where he considered expanding his network and exploring investment potential. His associate Peggy Siegal organised events and dinners in Manhattan to facilitate meetings with celebrities and royalty. Epstein planned a 2011 visit to Greece, though it is unclear if it ever occurred. Models associated with Epstein, such as Lana Zakocela, were also referenced in relation to travel for photo shoots in Greece.
The documents additionally contain messages from a 19-year-old Uzbek girl who described using Greece as a transit point to reach Paris, highlighting the country’s role in international travel logistics.
Epstein explored the Skorpios island market in 2011 through discussions with Boris Nikolic and Richard Giro, examining private visit arrangements and property features. However, these negotiations did not lead to any purchase. In one exchange with Peter Mandelson, Epstein confirmed he bought “something very Greek,” underscoring his ongoing interest in the region.
While the Greece mentions dominate the Epstein archive, the files do not imply legal wrongdoing by the country or its citizens. They primarily illuminate Epstein’s financial strategies, travel, and connections within Greece.
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