Where is Epstein Island and who owns it now?

Court records list nearly 200 people linked to Jeffrey Epstein during his years of child abuse, with many of the alleged crimes allegedly taking place on his famous island.

Prince Andrew, Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton and Stephen Hawking are among 187 people named as associates of the late billionaire, who ran a sex trafficking ring with colleague Ghislaine Maxwell.

Epstein is said to entertain some of the world’s elite – including politicians, celebrities and royalty – with lavish parties on the island.

But Where is this mysterious island, what happened there, what happened to it after his death and who owns the island now?

We know this…

Where is Epstein Island?

Epstein Island’s official real name is Little Saint James – and it is a small island off the coast of St. Thomas in the Caribbean Sea.

The small estate is part of the US Virgin Islands and covers approximately 74 hectares.

Currently, the main island consists of a main building and a number of guest houses, a helipad, a bathhouse, a cinema and a library.

There is also access to a lagoon and beach.

Islanders also get the added bonus of a 90 percent reduction in corporate tax if they employ at least ten people.

When did Jeffrey Epstein buy the island?

Jeffrey Epstein declared Little Saint James his primary residence before his death in 2019.

He bought it in 1998 for $7.95 million (approximately $12.5 million / £10,230,000 in today’s currency).

During the 21 years he owned the island, St. Thomas residents and those who visited referred to it as “The Island of Sin” or, more commonly, “Island of the Pedophiles.”

Nine years after purchasing the island, Epstein was convicted for the first time of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

However, despite his faith, he continued to organize parties for famous friends and political friends.

The island is only accessible by plane or helicopter, with Epstein using his private jet (later dubbed the “Lolita Express”) to transport guests.

Who Would Have Visited Epstein Island?

Although Epstein Island is known for its seedy parties and alleged abuses, it is also used by the billionaire’s associates for conferences and meetings.

Before Epstein’s first conviction, Stephen Hawking was photographed in 2006 visiting the island for a barbecue with at least 20 other scientists.

They were there before the party for an Epstein-funded science conference in neighboring St. Thomas.

There is no indication that anything unusual has happened at this time.

Former President Bill Clinton is said to have been among those who visited the island, but he has repeatedly denied ever going there and claims he had no prior knowledge of Epstein’s illegal activities.

At Filthy Rich, a former island worker claims to have seen Clinton there with Epstein at a time when no other guests were present.

Virginia Roberts-Guiffre, one of Epstein’s alleged human trafficking victims, also claims to have seen him during a trip to the island.

Roberts-Guiffre also claims he had sex with Prince Andrew after being recruited by Epstein at the age of 17, which the prince strongly denies.

It was claimed that Bill Gates was a visitor, but subpoenaed flight records obtained by Reuters confirmed this was untrue.

Who owns Epstein Island now?

After being on the market for over a year, the islands were finally purchased by Stephen Deckoff in May 2023.

He is the founder of private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management and has completed a deal worth around £47m for the two islands.

Mr Deckoff, who acquired the property for less than half the original purchase price of £98 million, plans to develop a 25-bedroom luxury resort.

The new owner said he never met Epstein and had never been to the islands until they became available after Epstein’s death.

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