The House of Representatives unanimously held billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress on Wednesday for refusing to comply with subpoenas issued by the House Oversight Committee.

The vote, taken by unanimous consent without debate, followed a unanimous recommendation from the Oversight Committee on Tuesday. The action refers the matter to the Justice Department for potential criminal prosecution.

Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, maintained extensive financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein. He paid the convicted sex offender at least $158 million for wealth management services even after Epstein's 2008 conviction.

The committee issued subpoenas in June requiring Black to appear for a deposition and produce nondisclosure agreements he signed with women. Black walked out of an initial voluntary interview that month and failed to appear for the scheduled deposition on September 3. He produced only one NDA despite indications of more.

Black filed a lawsuit challenging the subpoenas and has argued the committee exceeded its authority. His legal team stated that he cooperated where possible and never forced anyone to sign an NDA.

Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, Republican of Kentucky, said the refusal undermines accountability. "No one is above the law. Leon Black defied two subpoenas, and the U.S. House of Representatives acted swiftly to find him in contempt of Congress," Comer stated after the House vote.

The bipartisan action advances the committee's probe into the federal government's handling of the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. Black becomes the first witness held in contempt in this investigation.

The contempt citation carries potential penalties of up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine if the Justice Department pursues charges. The department has indicated it will review the referral carefully.