PHOTO: The private island of Jeffrey Epstein, known as “Little St James. FILE
The private island of Jeffrey Epstein, known as “Little St James,” attracted guests from around the world, including celebrities, scientists, and members of royal families. Despite its owner dubbing it “Little St Jeff,” locals referred to it as “Paedophile Island.” The truth about this 75-acre paradise in the US Virgin Islands, once home to the billionaire sex offender, is shrouded in controversy.
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A criminal complaint from the US Virgin Islands attorney general characterized the island as a hideaway for trafficking young women and underage girls for sexual exploitation, child abuse, and sexual assault. The layout of the island allowed Epstein and his associates to evade law enforcement detection and control the movements of their victims.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking trial in December 2023 shed light on the island’s role, leading to her conviction. In May 2023, the island was sold to a wealthy investor with the intention of transforming it into a luxury resort.
Little St James, located in the US Virgin Islands, boasts coral reefs, blue waters, and picturesque landscapes. Epstein registered as a sex offender in the Virgin Islands in 2010 and established shell companies on St Thomas. Acquiring the island in 1998, Epstein initiated extensive construction and remodeling, raising suspicions among local officials.
Satellite images reveal a complex network of structures, including a mansion, terraces, cottages, beach houses, a helipad, and a peculiar blue and white “temple.” The latter became a subject of speculation, with theories ranging from an underground lair to a site of ritual abuse. However, investigations suggested it was likely a private study and music room.
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Epstein expanded his holdings by purchasing the neighboring Great St James in 2016. Visitors, including notable figures like Stephen Hawking, Prince Andrew, and Bill Clinton (denied by Clinton), arrived via Epstein’s private jets and were shuttled to the island on black helicopters. The island staff, sworn to secrecy, described Epstein’s eccentricities, such as his fascination with “pirate treasure.”
Life on the island was characterized by Epstein’s frequent visits, luxurious accommodations, and an atmosphere of secrecy. Guests, arriving on Gulfstream jets, were treated to lavish experiences, including submarine tours. Despite suspicions and local whispers, Epstein’s activities remained largely unchecked.
Allegations of sex trafficking and abuse on Little St James emerged in various court cases. Prince Andrew, accused by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, settled the lawsuit in February 2024. The island was portrayed as a hub for a global grooming scheme, transporting victims to various locations worldwide.
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Efforts to investigate Epstein’s activities faced challenges, with Epstein using legal tactics, secrecy agreements, and political influence to impede scrutiny. The island’s protected status and environmental rule violations led to fines, but Epstein’s wealth mitigated their impact.
In 2022, the US Virgin Islands filed a lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase, accusing the bank of complicity in Epstein’s trafficking activities. The case, involving high-profile figures like Jamie Dimon and Elon Musk, was settled for $75 million in 2023.
With Epstein’s death in 2019, the fate of Little St James and Great St James was uncertain. A settlement between the US Virgin Islands and the Epstein estate paved the way for their sale to an investor planning a luxury resort. Despite a morbid fascination with the island, locals hope for a shift in the perception of the Virgin Islands.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENTUK