Summary
The newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice show Jeffrey Epstein's connections with various African political figures, including a link to a security deal between Israel and Ivory Coast. Epstein reportedly connected Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to the Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, which may have led to talks about a mass surveillance system in Ivory Coast. It is not clear if this system was ever implemented.
Key Facts
- Over three million emails, photos, and videos related to Jeffrey Epstein were released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
- The documents reveal Epstein's links with several African leaders, including South Africa's Jacob Zuma and Senegal's Karim Wade.
- Epstein also had a connection with a relative of Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara.
- The files suggest Epstein helped link Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak with Ouattara.
- Barak reportedly proposed a mass surveillance system for Ivory Coast.
- A formal security deal between Israel and Ivory Coast was established in 2014, though details are limited.
- Epstein was first convicted of sex trafficking in 2008 and died by suicide in prison in 2019.
- Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate, was convicted and sentenced in 2021.
