Jeffrey Epstein's network of influence, which included powerful businessmen, politicians and academics across the world, also extended to India, according to documents released by the US Justice Department.
The records show that Epstein was in regular contact with Indian businessman Anil Ambani between early 2017 and 2019, just months before Epstein was charged by US federal prosecutors with sex trafficking of minors. During this period, the two exchanged messages discussing global issues, business matters and personal topics, and also made plans to meet.
In one exchange from March 2017, Ambani asked Epstein for suggestions, to which Epstein replied that he should be accompanied by "a tall swedish blonde woman." Ambani quickly responded, asking him to arrange it. The messages suggest a casual and familiar tone between the two.
Text messages also show that Epstein and Ambani discussed meeting in Paris later in 2017, though the meeting did not take place. They also chatted about the reaction to then US president Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2018.
When Ambani mentioned plans to visit New York in May 2019, Epstein invited him to his home on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Epstein also offered to quietly arrange meetings with other people if Ambani wished. According to the documents, Epstein's assistants later confirmed that the two met at his residence.
A spokesperson for Ambani declined to comment on the disclosures.
The documents add to growing evidence of how Epstein continued to maintain high-profile social and business ties long after his 2008 conviction in Florida for procuring minors for prostitution. Despite that conviction, he retained access to wealthy and influential figures and lived a lavish lifestyle until his arrest in 2019. Epstein later died by apparent suicide while in custody.
Epstein's connections were not limited to the United States. Emails obtained earlier show that in March 2017, Epstein ordered several books about the Ambani family, including titles that detailed the rivalry between Anil Ambani and his elder brother Mukesh Ambani after the death of their father, Dhirubhai Ambani, in 2002.
The family feud led to a division of the business empire. Anil Ambani chairs the Reliance Group, with interests in infrastructure and power, while Mukesh Ambani controls Reliance Industries, which spans oil refining, petrochemicals, telecom, retail and media. Mukesh Ambani is currently Asia's richest man, while Anil Ambani's fortunes have declined sharply over the past decade.
Once a billionaire, Anil Ambani has seen most of his wealth erode and continues to face scrutiny in India. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court asked investigative agencies to speed up a probe into alleged bank-loan fraud involving his companies.
The messages also highlight Epstein's habit of name-dropping and linking people within elite circles. In conversations with others, including spiritual leader Deepak Chopra and several prominent US businessmen, Epstein referenced the Ambani brothers while offering his own impressions and advice.
After his meeting with Ambani in May 2019, Epstein sent a follow-up message saying the meeting had been "a treat" and that it was nice seeing him — a final glimpse into a relationship that lasted until just before Epstein's arrest.
