Jeffrey Epstein cultivated close relationships with at least two influential Russian government figures in the 2010s, files released by the Department of Justice reveal.
One of these was with Sergey Belyakov, Russia’s deputy economic minister at the time and a Kremlin secret service trained spy, who Epstein often appeared to use as his personal fixer in Moscow.
Belyakov, described by Epstein as a “very good friend” in one email, helped the disgraced financier secure visas and try to arrange meetings with powerful figures between 2014 and 2018 including Russia’s finance minister, deputy head of the central bank and even strongman Vladimir Putin. There was no reported sit-down with Putin or the other two.
Belyakov also presented Epstein with investment opportunities in the Motherland, including in a Bitcoin processor in 2016.
He even prepared a “dossier” to help Epstein deal with a Russian model he complained was blackmailing some of his rich friends in New York.
“I need a favor,” Epstein wrote in a 2015 email. “There is a Russian girl from Moscow [name redacted]. She is attempting to blackmail a group of powerful biznessman in New York. It is bad for business for everyone involved. She arrived New York last Saturday staying at the Four Seasons on 57th. Suggestions?”
“Give me a few days to get information about her,” Belaykov responded, before arranging a meeting between Epstein and some of his sources.
Epstein also returned the favor, telling Belyakov in a February 2016 email “I will do anything that is helpful to you” as he set up a meeting between his Russian friend and renowned hacker Vincenzo Iozzo he’d been in close touch with.
Epstein also corresponded with Vitaly Churkin, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, between 2015 and his 2017 death, saying his Palm Beach house was “always available for you as your rest spot.”
The pedophile helped Churkin’s son, Maxim, secure work in the United States but insisted they must keep his involvement secret.
“Any Maxim help is confidential,” ordered Epstein in a 2016 text message.
“Of course,” Churkin replied.
“Spasibo!” said Epstein – meaning “thank you” in Russian.
Epstein gave an update to Churkin the next month.
“Max doing better,” he wrote in a text. “He just needed to understand American biz habits.”
“U r a great teacher!” Churkin replied.
In previously released DOJ files, Epstein boasted about offering Churkin insight about President Trump, even suggested Kremlin officials should speak with him to gain insight on how to deal with the president.
“Churkin was great. He understood Trump after our conversations. It is not complex. He must be seen to get something, it’s that simple,” Epstein wrote in a 2018 email.
