The U.S. Virgin Islands claimed that JPMorgan directly aided Epstein's criminal activities by providing him with cash and legitimacy, enabling him to exploit women and girls over a prolonged period. JPMorgan did not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement announced on Tuesday. However, a series of disclosures in recent months exposed the extent of the bank's connection to Epstein and highlighted the failure of top executives to terminate their relationship with him despite raised concerns.
While the amount is less than half of the $190 million sought by the Virgin Islands, plaintiffs expressed satisfaction with the settlement. Last year, JPMorgan generated $128.7 billion in revenue.
Ariel Smith, the attorney general for the Virgin Islands, hailed the settlement as a "historic" victory. In a statement, Smith emphasized that it should serve as a warning to Wall Street about banks' obligations under the law to identify and prevent human trafficking.
According to a JPMorgan spokesperson, $30 million of the settlement will be allocated to charities, $25 million will go towards government and law enforcement initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking, and $20 million will be used to cover legal fees. Additionally, $10 million will be set aside to support mental health services for Epstein's survivors, as per the plaintiffs' demands.
Smith revealed that JPMorgan has agreed to "implement and maintain significant anti-trafficking measures," which includes a commitment to promptly report any suspicious activity in the future.
However, JPMorgan spokesperson Patricia Wexler asserted that the bank had already made these commitments. She stated, "We have always worked closely with law enforcement to help combat human trafficking, and we will continue to look for ways to invest in advancing this important mission." The bank expressed deep regret over its association with Epstein.
The settlement comes just a month before the scheduled trial in Manhattan, and shortly after a $290 million settlement in a related case brought by Epstein's victims. Deutsche Bank, which conducted business with Epstein after JPMorgan officially severed ties with him, has agreed to a separate $75 million payout.
The agreement follows months of discovery, during which redacted court filings and depositions revealed that bank executives were made aware of suspicious activity as early as 2006 but did not terminate Epstein as a client until 2013. Several top executives, including CEO Jamie Dimon and wealth management leader Mary Erdoes, were deposed and blamed each other for retaining Epstein as a client.
Epstein died in his jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The New York medical examiner ruled his death a suicide.
Prosecutors alleged that he recruited and trafficked women and girls at his New York mansion and a private island in the Virgin Islands. Epstein held numerous accounts at JPMorgan, becoming a significant source of revenue and clients for the bank's expanding private wealth division. A government filing claimed that some of his accounts were opened for individuals described as recruiters, accomplices, or victims of Epstein's abuse.
The litigation involved several well-known wealthy individuals who had varying degrees of association with Epstein. Tesla founder Elon Musk, Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates were among those who received subpoenas. Court documents revealed Epstein's attempts to involve Gates in a charitable fund, which ultimately never materialized. Within JPMorgan, James Edward "Jes" Staley, an executive at the time, provided support to Epstein and referred to himself as a close friend of his, according to court records.
Another JPMorgan executive stated in a deposition that the bank's decision to eventually terminate Epstein as a client in 2013 was made possible by Staley's departure from the company. However, court documents also indicate that the banker responsible for managing Epstein's accounts was authorized to maintain the relationship after 2013 as a "potential source of referrals" and continued to communicate with him until a few months prior to his death.
Staley was later sued by the bank, but the details of the settlement remain undisclosed.
Throughout the legal proceedings, JPMorgan has consistently denied any wrongdoing and instead focused on the Virgin Islands' failure to take action against Epstein's operations within its jurisdiction. The bank has attempted to portray the territory's lawsuit as an attempt to shift blame, arguing that local law enforcement should have conducted a more thorough investigation into Epstein.
Additionally, the bank has made allegations that Epstein used his political influence in the Virgin Islands to avoid trouble. JPMorgan has accused Cecile de Jongh, the former first lady of the islands, of working for Epstein for over ten years, alternating between roles as a "compliance person" and an "office manager."
According to court documents, Epstein allegedly paid de Jongh hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist with private school tuition and other expenses. In an email, de Jongh appeared to boast about Epstein's business having "the best relationships with local regulators and departments."
