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Epstein's Ties to Russian Official Revealed in DOJ Documents

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice show that Jeffrey Epstein hired Sergei Belyakov, a former Russian official linked to the FSB, in 2015 to gather information on a woman he accused of blackmailing his associates.
Belyakov provided insights into the woman's background and recommended denying her U.S. entry as a business threat.
Epstein facilitated meetings between Belyakov and American businessmen Peter Thiel and Thomas Pritzker to discuss Russia's economy.
Epstein also sought meetings with Russian leaders, though it remains unclear if he achieved this.
Epstein, who died in 2019, has been rumored to have ties to various intelligence agencies.

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Story summary

Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice show that Jeffrey Epstein hired Sergei Belyakov, a former Russian official linked to the FSB, in 2015 to gather information on a woman he accused of blackmailing his associates.
Belyakov provided insights into the woman's background and recommended denying her U.S. entry as a business threat.
Epstein facilitated meetings between Belyakov and American businessmen Peter Thiel and Thomas Pritzker to discuss Russia's economy.
Epstein also sought meetings with Russian leaders, though it remains unclear if he achieved this.
Epstein, who died in 2019, has been rumored to have ties to various intelligence agencies.