Jeffrey Epstein's 'Pedophile' Island: Unveiling the Notorious Billionaire's Center of Sexual Exploitation.
Explore the History of Jeffrey Epstein's Island, a Decades-Long 'Sex Abuse Haven' Leading to His Conviction
As people eagerly anticipate the disclosure of names of individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein, who have managed to avoid the media for years despite allegations of being accomplices in his crimes, let's take a closer look at his notorious 'pedophile' island.
Also Read: Who was Jeffrey Epstein?
Locally dubbed as 'Paedophile Island,' Jeffrey Epstein's Little St. James island gained infamy as the focal point of his lengthy trial and served as the primary hub for sex trafficking activities.
Explore the details of the 75-acre private island in the US Virgin Islands, once claimed as home by Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein humorously called the island he owned "Little St. Jeff," but for local residents who witnessed disturbing acts there, it earned the dark moniker of "Paedophile Island." In a criminal complaint, it was described as a "perfect hideaway and haven for trafficking young women and underage girls for sexual servitude, child abuse, and sexual assault."
After being entangled in Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking trial for two decades, the island has been sold and is poised to transform into a luxury residence. An investment firm led by billionaire Stephen Deckoff acquired the two islands for $60 million, significantly below the initial $100 million selling price.
What is the Location of Jeffrey Epstein's 'Pedophile Island?
The small island sits amid coral reefs in the azure waters of the US Virgin Islands, boasting sheltered inlets, wooded groves ascending to breathtaking windswept ridges, and rugged cliffs. Nestled just off the southeastern tip of St. Thomas, one of the primary islands in the Caribbean archipelago, it was a part of the trio of islands where Epstein owned properties.
Epstein strategically stationed his private jets on St. Thomas, and from there, a brief helicopter journey would take him to Little St. James, the epicenter of his illicit activities. The second property, acquired for $22.5 million in Great St. James, served as a protective shield for Little St. James against prying eyes. Little St. James, with its complete seclusion and control, featured a staff of around 70 individuals attending to every need while adhering to strict confidentiality.
When and Where Did Jeffrey Epstein Acquire Little St. James?
In 1998, Jeffrey Epstein acquired Little St. James from venture capitalist Arch Cummin through a shell company, reportedly spending just under $8 million. His initial actions included clearing out native vegetation to make way for palm trees, and later, he initiated an extensive building and remodeling program on the island.
In 2016, Epstein expanded his property portfolio by purchasing the larger Great St. James Island, spanning approximately 165 acres. It was alleged that he employed a ruse, claiming that the true buyer was a Dubai businessman named Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.
Exploring Little St. James: Epstein's Sanctuary of Sexual Abuse
Jeffrey Epstein constructed an extravagant mansion on St. James, featuring an outdoor terrace linking the master bedroom to the swimming pool, complete with a desalination system. Satellite images and videos unveil an extensive array of terraces, cottages, beach houses, swimming pools, docks, utility buildings, a helipad, a tennis court, slipways, an enclosed lake or lagoon, and various huts with undisclosed purposes. These structures are interconnected by palm-lined roads, where golf buggies transported guests between destinations.
Notably, at the opposite end from Epstein's residence, there is a low, boxy structure with blue and white stripes. Often referred to as a "temple," it is surrounded by a terrace adorned with a red labyrinth motif. An investigation by Business Insider suggests that the dome-like structure likely served as a private study and music room for Epstein.
Described as a "Zen-like retreat," Jeffrey Epstein's island was a place where he casually strolled in flip-flops, surrounded by meditative music, and where women frequently sunbathed topless, as reported by a former employee. Epstein and his guests were often in the company of attractive and, at times, 'suspicious' women.
With a staff of approximately 70, the island operated under a strict code of secrecy. Employees were instructed to keep a distance from Epstein while performing their duties and were explicitly prohibited from entering either of his two offices in the main manor, one of which housed a closely guarded steel safe.
According to The LA Times, Epstein harbored an unusual enthusiasm for what he called "pirate treasure," referring to old rum bottles and crockery scattered around the island.
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