Jeffrey Epstein's Accountant Testifies on Financier's Wealth Origins

Richard Kahn, Epstein's longtime accountant, reveals details about the disgraced financier's income sources and spending habits.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:37am

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In testimony before Congress, Richard Kahn, the longtime accountant for Jeffrey Epstein, provided details about how the disgraced financier built his wealth. Kahn stated that Epstein primarily earned money through tax advising and financial planning work, and received substantial sums from individuals like Les Wexner and members of the Rothschild family. Kahn also discussed Epstein's purchase of a ranch in New Mexico and the eventual sale of the property by Epstein's estate.

Why it matters

Kahn's testimony sheds light on the origins of Epstein's wealth and the financial connections between the financier and various prominent figures. This information is crucial for understanding how Epstein was able to amass his fortune and the potential involvement of others in his activities.

The details

According to Kahn, Epstein earned his money primarily through work as a tax adviser and financial planner. Kahn also testified that Epstein received substantial sums from individuals including Les Wexner, Glenn Dublin, Steven Sinofsky, Leon Black, and members of the Rothschild family. Kahn managed Epstein's finances for over a decade, overseeing numerous transactions, including medical reimbursements for the 'girls' and approving tuition payments on Epstein's behalf. Kahn stated that he was unaware of Epstein's 'terrible and unforgivable' actions and that any gifts Epstein gave to women or men were a 'very small fraction' of his spending.

  • Epstein purchased a ranch in Stanley, New Mexico, in 1993 for approximately $12 million.
  • Epstein's estate sold the ranch in 2023, with the proceeds going to settle creditors.
  • Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in August 2019 in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

The players

Richard Kahn

Jeffrey Epstein's accountant and co-executor of his estate, who testified before members of Congress about the origins of Epstein's wealth.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier whose wealth and activities were the focus of Kahn's testimony.

James Comer

The Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, who said that Kahn's testimony indicated Epstein received substantial sums of money from various individuals.

Les Wexner

The former leader of L Brands, who was identified as one of the individuals who provided substantial sums of money to Epstein.

Don Huffines

The family of the recently elected Republican primary winner for Texas state comptroller, who acquired Epstein's Zorro ranch in New Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“While Epstein was alive, I never observed any sexual abuse or trafficking of women and never received a complaint, either by one of Epstein's victims or anyone else, about such abuse or trafficking. I was not aware of the terrible and unforgivable things that he did to women and girls. My relationship with Epstein was strictly on a professional level. Had I learned of any of his horrific behaviour, I would have quit work immediately.”

— Richard Kahn, Epstein's Accountant

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the sale of Epstein's Zorro ranch to proceed.

The takeaway

Kahn's testimony provides valuable insight into the financial mechanisms behind Epstein's wealth, shedding light on the complex web of connections and transactions that enabled the disgraced financier to amass his fortune. This information is crucial for understanding the broader context of Epstein's crimes and the potential involvement of others in his activities.