New Mexico prosecutors have filed a civil lawsuit against two former aides to Jeffrey Epstein. The case claims the men helped hide his sex trafficking crimes and could gain money from his estate.
The lawsuit names Darren Indyke, a lawyer, and Richard Kahn, an accountant. Both men worked with Epstein for many years. They now serve as the sole executors of his estate. This gives them control over his remaining money and property.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez says the men played a role in hiding abuse at Zorro Ranch. The remote property is near Santa Fe. He also argues that they may benefit from Epstein’s wealth while survivors continue to seek justice.
The case was filed on Wednesday under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the New Mexico Racketeering Act. It is separate from a criminal probe into Epstein’s activities in the state. Officials restarted that probe in February.
Indyke and Kahn deny the claims. Their lawyer, Daniel Weiner, told the BBC that both men reject the allegations and believe they will win the case.
Weiner said the men did not knowingly help Epstein abuse or traffic women. He said they had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes while providing legal and accounting services.
He also said prosecutors did not ask to speak with either man before filing the lawsuit. According to Weiner, both men had cooperated with past investigations when asked.
Officials Seek Answers About Epstein’s Network
Torrez said Epstein could not have carried out his crimes without help from people around him. He argued that lawyers, accountants and other associates should face questions about their possible roles.
Epstein died in jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal child sex trafficking charges. His death ended the criminal case against him, but questions about his network and wealth remain.
“Jeffrey Epstein did not operate alone,” Torrez said. He stressed that Epstein’s death should not stop efforts to examine the actions of people who may have helped him.
The attorney general also questioned whether the men should receive money linked to Epstein. He said survivors should have a chance to seek fair payment rather than see others benefit from the same fortune.
Epstein’s wealth was estimated at about $635 million when he died. His estate has since become a key part of legal efforts by people who say they suffered abuse.
Trust and Estate Payments Under Scrutiny
Epstein named Indyke and Kahn as co-executors in August 2019. He made the change just two days before his death. His will placed his wealth in a trust named after his birth year. The two men were given control over the trust.
The estate managers agreed to provide funds for survivor compensation. However, the payment terms also limited further legal action against Indyke and Kahn personally by people who accepted money.
Some claims against the estate remain unresolved. The new lawsuit raises questions about how the men handled the money and whether they should receive any of the assets left behind.
As beneficiaries of the trust, Indyke and Kahn could each receive tens of millions of dollars after outstanding claims are settled. Torrez argues that such payments would be wrong if the men helped Epstein continue his abuse or hide his crimes.
The two men have previously told Congress that they knew nothing about Epstein’s criminal conduct. They deny taking part in or helping his sexual abuse and trafficking activities.
New Mexico Criminal Probe Continues
The civil lawsuit is part of wider efforts to examine Epstein’s crimes and the people who may have supported him. New Mexico officials restarted a separate criminal investigation in February.
The civil case does not prove that Indyke or Kahn committed a crime. The claims must be tested through the legal process. Both men continue to deny wrongdoing.
Torrez says survivors should not have to carry the burden of Epstein’s crimes while people accused of helping him may gain from his wealth.
The lawsuit seeks to hold the estate managers responsible for their alleged conduct and the handling of Epstein’s remaining assets. The case could affect who receives money from the estate and how survivors pursue compensation.
The legal fight may also bring more attention to the role of people who worked closely with Epstein. For survivors, the case offers another path to seek answers about the abuse and the money left behind. Its outcome will depend on the evidence and the court’s findings.
