A United Nations panel of independent experts has raised alarm over the abuses committed by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting that the scale and nature of the crimes may meet the legal definition of crimes against humanity.
The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) experts released a statement on Tuesday in response to millions of documents recently made public by the U.S. government, shedding light on Epstein’s criminal network.
The experts described the findings as revealing a “global criminal enterprise” marked by dehumanization, racism, and corruption. They stressed that the scale, systematic character, and transnational reach of the offenses against women and girls may justify investigation under international law.
“So grave is the scale…that a number of them may reasonably meet the legal threshold of crimes against humanity,” the UN panel said.
Concerns over redactions and accountability
While the files reveal connections between Epstein and influential figures across politics, business, science, and culture, few have faced legal consequences. The panel criticized the heavy redactions in the documents, which appear to shield the identities of powerful individuals.
“The reluctance to fully disclose information…has left many survivors feeling retraumatized and subjected to what they describe as ‘institutional gaslighting,’” the experts said.
Critics argue that Epstein himself faced minimal punishment, serving just 13 months after pleading guilty in Florida in 2008. His ex-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, received a 20-year sentence for her role in the trafficking ring.
The Epstein files and legislative oversight
The documents, part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed into law in November, were mandated to be released in a searchable format, with only necessary redactions to protect victims. However, the January 30 release appears incomplete, with estimates suggesting the government may hold over six million files.
The UN experts warned that “botched redactions” have even exposed sensitive victim information, underscoring the need for a thorough, impartial inquiry. They condemned calls to “move on” from the Epstein files, labeling such suggestions a failure of responsibility toward survivors.
