Newly released files from the U.S. Department of Justice have brought fresh scrutiny to Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities, including a victim's account of the late financier's claim to have fathered a secret child and evidence of a network of model scouts who funneled young women to him.

In a 2019 FBI interview summarized in the documents, an unnamed woman who met Epstein at age 16 while working as a model in New York described visiting his home. She recounted Epstein pointing to a photo of a blonde woman on a beach and stating, "This is the mother of my child." He also allegedly pointed to a torso sculpture in the room, claiming it was a mold of the same woman, whom he described as "perfect" and said her husband would be "very lucky."

The files also include a September 2011 email from Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, congratulating Epstein on the birth of a baby boy, writing, "Don’t know if you’re still on this bbm but have heard from The Duke that you have had a baby boy... with love, friendship and congratulations on your baby boy. Sarah xx." Photos released with the documents show Epstein with a redacted woman holding a baby and another of him holding an infant. Epstein's brother, Mark, denied the claims, insisting, "He doesn’t have any kids."

Additional documents reference diary entries from a young woman describing a childbirth supervised by Ghislaine Maxwell, where the baby was taken away after 10 to 15 minutes. Epstein had expressed interest in fathering children, including emails seeking a "baby mama" with "great genes" and asking victim Johanna Sjoberg if she would bear his child.

The files further expose Epstein's use of modeling agencies and scouts to recruit victims. Emails from model scout Daniel Siad, appearing in over 1,000 documents, show him updating Epstein on young women from Sweden, Slovakia, France, Russia, China, and elsewhere, often aged 15 to 17. Siad arranged meetings in Paris, covered expenses like family dinners, and promised surprises, while Epstein inquired about their ages and approved payments.

French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who received financial backing from Epstein for his MC2 agency, targeted Brazilian girls. Testimonies describe Brunel recruiting 16-year-old Gláucia Fekete for a 2004 modeling contest in Ecuador, where Epstein was present, and arranging visas for others like "Ana," who was flown to Epstein's properties for sex. Epstein promised victims modeling opportunities with Victoria's Secret and elite university scholarships to lure them.

Brazilian prosecutors opened an investigation in February into potential trafficking networks linked to Epstein. French authorities are examining evidence involving nationals like Brunel, who died in custody facing related charges. Siad has denied wrongdoing, calling his work legitimate.

The Justice Department began releasing millions of pages of Epstein files in February 2026, following congressional pressure. Investigations continue amid concerns over missing documents and redactions.