The scandal surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and his connections with JPMorgan Chase has been the subject of intense scrutiny since the financier’s arrest in 2019. The latest development in the case is the revelation that Epstein sent over 1,200 emails to his banker at JPMorgan Chase, Jes Staley, between 2008 and 2012. According to a lawsuit filed against the bank by the US Virgin Islands, the emails contained veiled references to Disney movies like “Snow White,” as well as photos of young women.
The lawsuit also alleges that 20 of Epstein’s sex trafficking victims were paid through his 55 JPMorgan Chase accounts, and that Staley was asked to discuss the allegations against Epstein with the financier in 2006. Despite this, Staley was allowed to continue managing Epstein’s funds.
The lawsuit claims Staley vouched for Epstein in a compliance review in 2011, and that the banker wrote to Epstein in 2009 in an email which read: “I realize the danger in sending this email. But it was great to be able, today, to give you, in New York City, a long heartfelt, hug.”
Staley recently stepped down as CEO of Barclays Bank following an investigation into his ties with Epstein, and his lawyer Kathleen Harris declined to comment when approached by Business Insider. JPMorgan Chase has not yet responded to the allegations.
The case against JPMorgan Chase is yet another example of the financial sector’s failure to properly police itself, and of the continued power of the wealthy and well-connected. It is yet to be seen how the case will play out, but it’s clear that the financier’s ties to the bank are having far-reaching consequences.
