Calls for further Epstein investigations in new US report

US lawmakers have called for additional criminal investigations into associates of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a damning report. The report criticized prosecutors, financial institutions, and Epstein's influential connections for enabling his abuse over the years. The investigation focused on key individuals such as former Miami Beach mayor Philip Levine and French hairstylist Frederic Fekkai, who both deny sexual assault allegations.

The report also recommended further questioning of another frequent Epstein assistant, Lesley Groff, due to her credibility concerns. The recommendations stemmed from a 15-month congressional inquiry involving testimony from prominent figures in Epstein's circle and a thorough examination of government and banking records. The report's chairman, James Comer, emphasized that Epstein's crimes after 2005 could have been prevented if federal investigators had pursued the original allegations more aggressively.

The report accused financial institutions, particularly American Express, of overlooking suspicious transactions and human trafficking warning signs. The Justice Department was also criticized for exposing survivors' private information during the release of Epstein files. While lawmakers found no evidence implicating President Donald Trump in Epstein's crimes, they accused Democrats of politicizing the inquiry.

Democrats, who recently gained control of Congress, vowed to continue investigating Epstein's network upon assuming their new powers in January. Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.