what are the epstein files

The "Epstein files" refer to a large collection of documents, evidence, and court records related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender and financier accused of running a sex trafficking network involving underage girls. These files include FBI investigative reports, seized evidence, flight logs from Epstein’s private aircraft, contact lists (Epstein's "black book"), victim and witness depositions, photographs, videos, financial records, calendars, and other materials obtained from searches of Epstein’s properties in New York, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The files have been released in phases by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI starting around 2024-2025, but many remain heavily redacted due to privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, and to protect victims. They also include recovered physical evidence such as massage tables, photographic albums, and even cash. Some files contain logs of visitors to Epstein's private island, Little Saint James, and digital evidence from numerous electronic devices seized during investigations. These documents have been the subject of public interest due to the high-profile individuals mentioned or indirectly referenced in them, including politicians, celebrities, and businesspeople. However, being named in the files does not imply guilt or illegal involvement. The release of these files has sparked political debate and media coverage, and some portions remain unreleased to Congress and the public, causing calls for further transparency. In summary, the Epstein files are a vast repository of investigative and legal documents relating to Epstein’s criminal activities and network, some of which have been released publicly while others continue to be withheld or redacted for legal reasons.