Epstein files” in Italy’s hands as Rome prosecutors investigate suspected abuse and sex trafficking

Prosecutors in Rome have launched an investigation to determine whether Jeffrey Epstein’s network had contacts with individuals or criminal activities on Italian territory.

Italian authorities are analyzing materials published as part of the “Epstein Files” and have also asked US institutions for documents that have not yet been made public.

The investigation focuses on suspicions of sexual assault, trafficking, and the sexual exploitation of women and minors. Authorities are also examining whether individuals linked to Epstein may have taken part in criminal activities in Italy or other countries.

According to La Repubblica, the case is being led by Rome Deputy Prosecutor Maurizio Arcuri. He has sent the United States an official request for documents held by the US Department of Justice concerning the suspected crimes of Epstein and his associates.

Prosecutors are seeking not only the files published so far, but also confidential materials that US authorities have not disclosed.

Suspected links to Italy

The investigation is believed to have been prompted by a complaint filed on March 26 by the Differenza Donna association. The organization asked Rome prosecutors to investigate whether transnational crimes related to violence, trafficking, and sexual exploitation had been committed.

The US documents mention “repeated incidents involving Italian individuals,” while also containing references to travel and stays in Italy.

However, the presence of a name in the Epstein files does not in itself constitute evidence that a crime was committed. It is precisely whether or not these connections had a criminal nature that the Roman authorities’ investigation will seek to determine.

From Capri to Milan, as well as Rome and the Amalfi Coast

The materials made public contain several references to Italy. Epstein’s name appears in connection with travel and contacts in well-known cities and areas of the country.

Investigators aim to establish whether these were merely social or business relationships, or whether the contacts may have been connected to the criminal activities of which the American financier had been accused.

Epstein was arrested in the United States in 2019 on charges of sex trafficking of minors. In August of the same year, he was found dead in his cell in Manhattan. Authorities classified his death as a suicide.

Italian investigation follows other inquiries in Europe

With this proceeding, Italy joins the European countries investigating possible links to Epstein’s network. Similar inquiries have been reported in France, Norway, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

In Britain, the case has also involved prominent public figures, while institutions have examined their relationships with the American financier.

Lapo Elkann: “I met Epstein twice”

Lapo Elkann is one of the Italian names mentioned in the recent documents and debates. He has responded by denying any involvement in illegal activities.

Elkann said he met Epstein on two occasions. The first meeting took place in New York, when he was working as an assistant to Henry Kissinger, during a public event attended by people from politics and finance. The second meeting took place in Rome, at a business event linked to Brasilinvest.

He clarified that he had not exchanged direct correspondence with Epstein and stressed that mentioning his name, without evidence linking him to the financier’s criminal activities, is unacceptable.

Elkann also stated that he is particularly sensitive to cases of abuse and violence. According to him, through the LAPS Foundation, he has supported initiatives for years to help women and children who have been victims of violence.