Epstein’s Accountant and Lawyer Testify They Weren’t Interviewed by Justice Department
The House Oversight Committee released videos Tuesday of closed-door depositions with two men in Jeffrey Epstein’s inner circle as part of its probe into the late convicted sex offender. Darren Indyke, a longtime Epstein employee and attorney, and Richard Kahn, Epstein’s longtime accountant, appeared before the committee earlier this month to answer questions from both Democrats and Republicans about their long relationships with Epstein and how the disgraced financier made and spent his money. Both denied prior knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and currently serve as co-executors of Epstein’s estate.
Neither Kahn nor Indyke had been formally questioned by federal law enforcement about their working relationships with Epstein before their depositions with the House Oversight Committee earlier this month, according to NBC News.
Key Testimony Points
Kahn and Indyke each stated that they were unaware of Epstein’s crimes, despite having worked for Epstein for decades and being intimately involved in Epstein’s business dealings, and finances. Both men said if they had known about Epstein’s trafficking of women and girls while working for him, they would have cut ties with him immediately.
“Let me be clear: I had no knowledge whatsoever of Jeffrey Epstein’s wrongdoings,” said Indyke, who began working for Epstein in 1996. “My complete lack of involvement in that misconduct is a matter of record. Not a single woman has ever accused me of committing sexual abuse or witnessing sexual abuse, or claimed at any time that she or anyone else reported to me any allegation of Mr. Epstein’s abuse.”
Indyke added that he only spoke with Epstein about “legal advice” on his business matters like acquisitions, real estate and investments, and that he never spoke with Epstein about “social relationships.” He also stated he was aware that Epstein had engaged in relationships with underage people in Florida but believed it was limited to that state and that Epstein assured him it wouldn’t happen again.
Indyke revealed he spoke with Epstein in the days before his death in prison, but declined to disclose the content of their conversation, citing attorney-client privilege.
Kahn began working for Epstein in 2005. He testified that he only saw Epstein approximately every three weeks and did not interact with him socially or attend any of his parties. He stated he never observed any sexual abuse or trafficking of women and never received any complaints about such abuse.
Kahn recalled a conversation with Epstein when he was first charged with a sex crime, during which Epstein reassured him it was a mistake and wouldn’t happen again. Kahn said he never saw minors around Epstein and therefore had no reason to suspect wrongdoing. He added that if he had known Epstein was lying, he would have reported him to the authorities.
Concerns Raised by Democrats
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee expressed skepticism regarding the consistent denials of knowledge from both Kahn and Indyke, given their close proximity to Epstein. Ranking Member Robert Garcia stated that Epstein’s sex trafficking ring “would not have been possible without the consistent payments and services of his long-time accountant Richard Kahn.” Garcia also noted that Kahn admitted to facilitating a fake marriage between two women connected to Epstein and impersonating Epstein in communications with banks.
As co-executors of Epstein’s estate, Kahn and Indyke oversaw a victims’ compensation fund that distributed approximately $125 million to eligible applicants before winding down in 2021.
Past Conduct and Financial Arrangements
Indyke testified that he occasionally reminded individuals contacted by law enforcement that they had the right to legal counsel, but maintained he never advised them not to speak to investigators. He also confirmed settling claims against Epstein in 2009-2010, arguing settlements were reached for reasons beyond guilt, such as litigation costs.
Kahn stated he took on the role of co-executor to help compensate Epstein’s victims, acknowledging it was an undesirable position. He explained that Epstein left him a $25 million bequest, potentially to offset the lack of an executor fee, which would have been around $12 million.
Indyke was set to receive $50 million from Epstein’s estate, matching the amount designated for Epstein’s girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak.
Indyke handled significant cash withdrawals for Epstein, which he defended as being for legitimate purposes. Kahn stated he had no role in setting up Epstein’s companies, which held between $500-600 million in assets at the time of Epstein’s death.
During the deposition, questions arose regarding a potential settlement with “Jane Doe 4,” who accused both President Donald Trump and Epstein of sexual assault. Kahn initially testified she received a settlement from the Epstein estate but later clarified, with his attorney, that they did not recognize the individual.
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