WASHINGTON — In a significant escalation of congressional scrutiny into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s network, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer issued subpoenas on Tuesday to two major banks—JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank—demanding access to Epstein’s financial records. The move seeks to uncover details about his accounts, transactions, and communications, potentially shedding light on the web of influence that enabled his criminal activities.
The subpoenas are part of a broader investigation into Epstein’s operations and the potential failures of federal oversight following his 2008 conviction for sex crimes. Comer also sent a request for documents to U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon Rhea, seeking information related to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell’s alleged crimes. Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, has been a central figure in the Epstein saga.
This latest development follows the release of more than 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein’s estate, which revealed previously undisclosed connections to high-profile individuals. Among those named is former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, whose ties to Epstein have drawn renewed attention. Summers—who served as an economic adviser to Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama—expressed deep regret over his association with Epstein. In a statement, he described the revelations as “shameful” and announced his resignation from the board of OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT, citing the need to focus on other commitments amid the controversy.
Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, had long been accused of exploiting his wealth and connections to facilitate a trafficking network involving underage girls. His relationships with powerful figures in finance, politics, and academia have fueled ongoing questions about accountability and complicity.
The banks subpoenaed by Comer—JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank—had previously faced lawsuits and settlements related to their dealings with Epstein. JPMorgan agreed to a $290 million settlement in 2023 with Epstein’s victims, while Deutsche Bank paid $75 million in a similar case. Both institutions denied wrongdoing.
Comer’s actions underscore the House Oversight Committee’s commitment to probing what he has called “systemic failures” in monitoring Epstein following his lenient 2008 plea deal in Florida, which allowed him to serve just 13 months in a work-release program despite serious allegations. “We must ensure that justice is served and that no stone is left unturned in understanding how Epstein evaded accountability for so long,” Comer said in a press release announcing the subpoenas.
The investigation could have far-reaching implications, potentially implicating additional institutions or individuals who benefited from or overlooked Epstein’s activities. As the newly released documents continue to be analyzed, experts anticipate further revelations that may reshape public understanding of one of the most notorious scandals in recent history.
The U.S. Virgin Islands—where Epstein owned a private island used for illicit activities—has played a key role in related legal battles. Attorney General Rhea’s office has not yet responded publicly to Comer’s request, but cooperation could offer critical insights into the degree of local and federal coordination, or lack thereof, in addressing Epstein’s crimes.
As the probe unfolds, it underscores the enduring need for transparency in cases involving elite networks and vulnerable victims. Further updates are expected as the committee reviews the subpoenaed materials.
