Epstein Estate Settles Lawsuit Over Alleged Sex Trafficking

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The co-executors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's estate have agreed to pay up to $35 million to settle a lawsuit accusing them of aiding his alleged sex trafficking operation for nearly two decades. The agreement, made public in Manhattan federal court, would settle a lawsuit filed in 2024 against Epstein's lawyer Darren Indyke and his accountant Richard Kahn, who were named as co-executors of his estate.

Why it matters

This settlement represents a significant development in the ongoing legal fallout from Epstein's crimes, as his associates face scrutiny and accountability for their alleged roles in enabling his sex trafficking enterprise. The case highlights the complex financial infrastructure that allowed Epstein to operate for years, and the challenges in unwinding his estate and compensating his victims.

The details

Under the settlement, Indyke and Kahn did not admit to any misconduct, but the co-executors agreed to provide relief to Epstein's victims and bring finality to claims against the estate. The initial lawsuit accused the co-executors of organizing the 'complex financial infrastructure' that allowed Epstein to pay victims and recruiters in exchange for silence, as well as facilitating 'arranged and forced sham marriages' to get some victims immigration status so they could continue to be abused.

• Epstein signed a will naming Indyke and Kahn as co-executors of his estate two days before his death in 2019.
• The class action lawsuit against the co-executors was filed in February 2024.
• The settlement agreement was made public in Manhattan federal court on February 20, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The settlement agreement is pending approval by a judge. The victims will have to agree to drop any future claims and cannot have received prior settlements from the Epstein estate or the Epstein Victims Compensation Fund in order to be eligible for payment.