After his first conviction for sex crimes, Jeffrey Epstein looked for a new way to use his money and influence.
A New Business Path After Scandal
Around 2015, he turned toward the surveillance and security technology industry. He partnered with a former head of state to invest in a startup focused on emergency response technology. Emails show that he used this partnership to connect with powerful figures in technology and government.
The leaked messages reveal that Epstein was eager to enter the world of security tools, spy software, and advanced monitoring systems. He tried to link wealthy investors with companies creating high-tech solutions. These included tools for scanning crowds, tracking individuals, and transforming large data into intelligence.
Despite his criminal past, Epstein presented himself as a serious investor in global security. In several emails, he claimed to be fascinated by the fast growth of surveillance tools in the private sector. He often shared articles about cyber warfare, military technology, and artificial intelligence with his business partners.
Building Global Contacts in Security Tech
Epstein wanted to use his money to place himself in the middle of global surveillance.
He set up meetings between his partners and big investors in Silicon Valley. One project he backed was called Reporty, later renamed Carbyne. The company aimed to improve emergency call systems with new technology.
The company had links to former senior intelligence officials, which made it an attractive gateway into the industry. Although some investors were cautious at first, the startup later secured major funding. Epstein’s role, however, was deliberately kept hidden through complex investment structures.
Beyond American tech circles, Epstein also tried to connect with influential business leaders in Russia. Emails show him suggesting meetings with officials close to the government there. He even offered advice on working around U.S. economic sanctions. Documents suggest he had financial dealings with Russian banks that later came under sanctions, involving large sums of money.
Weissmann’s warning: Piecemeal release of Epstein papers erodes public trust
At the same time, Epstein showed interest in another security firm that promised to use artificial intelligence to process vast amounts of data. The company created detailed mockups of screens tracking individuals in real time. This project, however, was shut down after its backers were sanctioned.
Epstein also pushed his contacts to explore startups working on new forms of imaging technology. These tools were designed to detect hidden objects in open spaces using radar and artificial intelligence. Some of these firms later secured government contracts in the United States before eventually shutting down.
Emails Uncover Epstein’s Expanding Ambitions
The files leaked online contained more than just emails. They also included images, scanned documents, videos, and voice recordings. They suggest Epstein was eager to be seen as a dealmaker at the crossroads of private money and government surveillance.
He encouraged his partners to meet with influential figures and repeatedly asked to be kept informed about new technologies. His focus was not only on Western countries but also on opportunities in Russia, China, and the Middle East.
Bipartisan committee subpoenas Epstein estate to uncover records tied to trafficking investigation
In one email, he claimed to have heard from a royal contact about wealthy Chinese investors wanting to start a personal protection company in Beijing, pointing to rising kidnapping concerns. He often hinted at new opportunities around the world, using his network of high-profile friends.
While Epstein was positioning himself as a key player in global security tech, his criminal history cast a shadow over every move. After his 2019 arrest, several of his partners cut ties with him and denied deeper involvement. But the leaked files show that until his final years, Epstein worked to place himself in the heart of the international spy technology industry.
