Jeffrey Epstein's Inner Circle Testifies: Accountants and Attorneys Deny Knowledge of Crimes
Jeffrey Epstein's former accountant, Richard Kahn, and longtime personal attorney, Darren Indyke, have provided separate closed-door depositions to the House Oversight Committee. Both individuals, who served as co-executors of Epstein's estate following his death, stated they had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes involving women and girls during their employment. Committee members, however, expressed skepticism regarding these claims, citing various alleged actions by Kahn and Indyke that they contend facilitated Epstein's activities.
Claims of Ignorance Amidst Scrutiny
Accountant Richard Kahn's Testimony
Richard Kahn, who worked for Epstein from 2005 until his death in 2019, testified before the committee, asserting that he was "not aware" of Epstein's crimes and expressed regret for any unwitting assistance. Kahn stated he never observed sexual abuse or trafficking and did not receive complaints during Epstein's lifetime. He maintained his relationship with Epstein was strictly professional.
Attorney Darren Indyke's Defense
Darren Indyke, Epstein's personal attorney for over two decades until 2019, also testified, stating he had "no knowledge whatsoever" of Epstein's misconduct. In his prepared opening statement, Indyke described his "complete lack of involvement in that misconduct is a matter of record" and affirmed he would have ceased working for Epstein had he known of any abuse.
Both Kahn and Indyke were designated co-executors and beneficiaries of Epstein's estate two days prior to his death.
Responding to Epstein's 2006 Arrest
Regarding Epstein's 2006 arrest, Kahn stated Epstein described it as a "mistake," claiming he did not know the woman was underage and promising the incident would not recur. Kahn affirmed he believed Epstein at the time and never observed minors in his presence, adding he would have immediately stopped working for Epstein had he learned of any illicit behavior.
Indyke maintained that not knowing what his client did in his private life "may be difficult for some to believe, but it is true."
Committee Scrutiny and Allegations of Facilitation
Skepticism from Democrats
Democratic committee members expressed significant skepticism regarding the witnesses' claims of ignorance. Representative Robert Garcia, the leading Democrat on the committee, highlighted specific actions.
Garcia stated that Kahn acknowledged facilitating a fake marriage, impersonating Epstein in banking communications, and confirmed Epstein frequently discussed Donald Trump. Garcia questioned the credibility of Kahn's claim of ignorance.
Garcia also stated that Indyke played a central role in facilitating Epstein's abuse and managing legal strategies that helped him avoid scrutiny. He mentioned Indyke testified about hard drives held by Epstein's private investigators, which the committee has not yet reviewed. Representative James Walkinshaw (D-VA) found it "very hard to believe" Indyke knew nothing after working closely with Epstein for an extended period.
Democrats on the committee called Indyke a "key insider and enabler," suggesting Epstein's operation would not have been possible without his services.
DOJ Documents and Further Accusations Against Indyke
Committee Chair Representative James Comer (R-KY) noted that all witnesses have claimed no prior knowledge of Epstein's activities before they became public.
Department of Justice documents reportedly indicate Indyke was implicated in emails about erasing hard drives and that Epstein referred victims to Indyke if contacted by law enforcement. Indyke was also flagged in 2017 for making "structured cash transactions" from Epstein's account. Representative Dave Min (D-CA) stated there is evidence Indyke was "central to Jeffrey Epstein's orbit" and advised women not to speak to police.
Kahn and Indyke Rebut Allegations
In response to these allegations, Indyke denied that he facilitated sexual abuse or trafficking, calling such claims "categorically false." He stated his primary role was to provide corporate, transactional, and general legal services. Regarding the cash withdrawals, Indyke said he was complying with bank requirements and limits, not attempting to avoid federal reporting. He also denied accusations of facilitating "sham marriages," labeling them "100% untrue."
Kahn, in his opening statement, characterized gifts made by Epstein as a "very small fraction" of Epstein's overall spending, stating he did not view them as red flags for abuse or trafficking.
Epstein's Financial Network and Key Connections
Kahn's Role in Managing Finances
Kahn managed Epstein's finances through his company HBRK Associates Inc., advising on various transactions, including medical reimbursements for "girls" and vouching for flagged tuition payments. Kahn is mentioned over 50,000 times in Department of Justice files related to Epstein.
Kahn detailed how Epstein reportedly amassed hundreds of millions of dollars over two decades, cultivating relationships with influential individuals. He indicated he believed Epstein's income stemmed from his work as a tax advisor and financial planner, according to Representative Comer.
Epstein's Wealth and Influential Clients
During the deposition, Kahn confirmed five clients who paid money to Epstein:
- Former retail executive Les Wexner
- Hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin
- Tech entrepreneur Steven Sinofsky
- Investor Leon Black
- The Rothschild family
None of these individuals have faced accusations of wrongdoing in their interactions with Epstein. The committee previously deposed Wexner and has requested interviews with others, including Black.
Testimony Regarding Donald Trump
Regarding former President Donald Trump, Kahn testified he had not observed any financial transactions involving Trump or his family. Representative Comer reported that this aligns with similar testimony provided under oath by five witnesses.
Post-Mortem Estate Management and Ongoing Investigation
Settlements and Legal Actions
Since Epstein's death, Kahn and Indyke have managed settlements from Epstein's estate. They faced scrutiny regarding their alleged involvement in Epstein's network, including a 2020 lawsuit from the U.S. Virgin Islands attorney general, which settled for over $105 million in 2022. The Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund awarded over $121 million to more than 135 survivors before closing in 2021.
Broader Scope of the House Oversight Investigation
Representative Comer reported that the committee has reviewed over 40,000 documents subpoenaed from JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank. Epstein was reportedly linked to at least 64 distinct business entities.
Comer stated that the investigation aims to uncover the truth, addressing questions about potential government failures or involvement in any cover-up. Lawmakers stated that a comprehensive understanding of Epstein's finances is crucial to comprehending how he facilitated his trafficking and abuse for years.