House Panel Questions Epstein’s Former Accountant About Financial Empire

Congressional investigators questioned Jeffrey Epstein's longtime accountant Richard Kahn in a closed-door session about the disgraced financier's vast wealth and connections to powerful figures. Kahn, who now manages Epstein's estate, told lawmakers he believed Epstein earned his fortune through tax and financial planning services.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional investigators examined Jeffrey Epstein’s extensive financial network Wednesday during a private hearing with his former accountant, seeking to uncover details about his relationships with influential wealthy individuals.

Richard Kahn, who maintained a close working relationship with Epstein over many years and currently oversees his estate as an executor, participated in the behind-closed-doors session with House members. During his testimony, Kahn stated he never witnessed Epstein’s sexual misconduct firsthand, though he offered lawmakers additional insight into how the disgraced financier built his fortune. Over two decades, Epstein accumulated hundreds of millions while cultivating relationships with some of the globe’s most influential figures.

According to Rep. James Comer, the Republican leader of the House Oversight Committee, Kahn “was under the impression that Epstein made his money as a tax advisor and a financial planner.” Committee members believe that gaining a complete understanding of Epstein’s financial operations could shed light on how he managed to continue his trafficking and sexual abuse of minors for such an extended period.

“Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring would not have been possible without Richard Kahn, who managed Epstein’s money for years, authorized payments, including payments to victims and survivors,” stated Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., who noted that Kahn claimed he couldn’t remember specific details about certain transactions and communications when questioned.

Kahn has maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s sexual crimes and never encountered any of his victims.

The Kentucky Republican Comer revealed that during the testimony, committee members verified that Epstein obtained substantial sums from several prominent figures: former retail executive Les Wexner, hedge fund leader Glenn Dubin, technology entrepreneur Steven Sinofsky, investor Leon Black, and members of the Rothschild banking dynasty.

While none of these individuals face accusations of misconduct regarding their Epstein connections, committee Democrats maintain that anyone linked to the financier deserves examination. The panel previously questioned Wexner last month, and Comer has requested that Black and others participate in recorded interviews.

Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam disclosed that Kahn informed lawmakers about Epstein’s financial connections to Ehud Barak, Israel’s former prime minister who served from 1999 to 2001. Barak faces no wrongdoing allegations and has expressed regret about his association with Epstein.

Comer announced Wednesday that his committee has examined more than 40,000 documents obtained through subpoenas to JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank. According to Comer’s findings, Epstein maintained connections to no fewer than 64 business organizations.

While President Donald Trump has categorically rejected any improper conduct in his past dealings with Epstein, Comer noted that Kahn reported never observing any financial exchanges between the two men. Comer emphasized that Kahn joins other witnesses who have testified they never observed Trump engaging in inappropriate behavior with Epstein.

“The investigation’s about getting the truth to the American people, trying to figure out how the government failed, answer questions we all have,” Comer explained.