No Epstein List Means No Justice? Survivors and Advocates Slam FBI, DOJ Report for 'Protecting the Powerful'

DOJ and FBI Close Investigation, Reject 'Client List' Claims

The joint FBI and DOJ memo states that an 'exhaustive review' uncovered 'no incriminating client list' and 'no credible evidence' that Epstein blackmailed public figures. It also reaffirmed the longstanding conclusion that Epstein died by suicide in custody. According to the memo, the material examined includes digital correspondence, video surveillance footage, financial records, and travel documentation. However, the majority remains under court seal to protect victims and prevent the release of potentially graphic content.

The Epstein scandal predates his 2019 arrest. In 2008, he secured a controversial non-prosecution agreement in Florida that allowed him to plead guilty to lesser state charges, serving just 13 months in jail with work-release privileges. The arrangement was later criticised for violating victims' rights. Epstein's associations with global elites, including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and the UK's Prince Andrew, have long drawn scrutiny.

Prince Andrew's connection led to his public fall from grace after a 2019 BBC Newsnight interview and a reported financial settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein of trafficking her to the royal.

Survivors and Advocates Cry Foul Over 'Protected Power'

Survivors, legal advocates, and watchdogs have expressed strong frustration. Many note that the FBI received warnings about Epstein as early as the 1990s and early 2000s but failed to act. Jordan Merson, representing accusers, told Business Insider, 'Unfortunately, the FBI continues to fight survivors of Jeffrey Epstein despite their public proclamations otherwise'. The decision not to release additional files, such as flight logs, hard drives, or grand jury materials, has been described by some, including commentator Tim Pool on platform X, as a cover-up designed to protect the powerful.

Heightened Public Protest and Musk's Fierce Rebuke

Criticism has also come from unexpected quarters. Elon Musk, whose relationship with former President Trump has recently fractured, took to X, saying 'What's the time? Oh look, it's no-one-has-been-arrested-o'clock again'. He accused the government of shielding paedophiles and used memes to draw attention to the issue. His high-profile intervention has further fuelled online suspicion that powerful figures are being protected from prosecution.

Legal and Political Consequences Could Follow

While legal questions persist in the United States, scrutiny continues to grow in the UK particularly due to Prince Andrew's alleged involvement and wider concerns about royal transparency. Labour peer Lord Foulkes has called for parliamentary reforms to reduce royal secrecy and introduce a public register of royal interests.

The closure of the Epstein investigation without further disclosures has reignited distrust in the institutions responsible for delivering justice. For survivors and their supporters, the fight for transparency, accountability, and institutional reform is far from over.