Epstein Files Reveal Connections Between Leon Black and Indicted Antiquities Dealer

Inventory shows Black owned Southeast Asian artworks linked to disgraced dealer Douglas Latchford.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Newly released Epstein files reveal that billionaire art collector Leon Black owned a collection of Southeast Asian artworks, some of which were potentially looted and connected to the indicted antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford. The files show Black purchased a $7 million Khmer bronze sculpture that Latchford had previously published and claimed was one of the most important known. The revelations raise questions about the provenance of Black's art collection and his ties to the disgraced dealer.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of looted antiquities entering the art market, even among high-profile collectors like Leon Black. It also sheds light on the complex web of connections between wealthy art collectors, dealers, and convicted criminals like Jeffrey Epstein, who was involved in notable art transactions between Black and Gagosian gallery.

The details

The Epstein files inventory shows Black held a collection of bronze and stone sculptures from Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam worth an estimated $27.7 million. This includes a $7 million Khmer bronze sculpture that matches a piece Latchford had previously published and claimed was one of the most important known. Correspondence also shows Latchford discussing offering other questionable Cambodian artifacts to Black. While Black claims the works were acquired through a 'well-regarded and highly reputable art dealer,' the revelations raise concerns about the provenance of his collection.

  • In 2013, Black purchased the $7 million Khmer bronze sculpture that Latchford had previously published.
  • In 2019, federal prosecutors indicted Latchford on charges of fraud and conspiracy related to his dealings in Cambodian artifacts.
  • In 2020, Latchford died before his case could go to trial, and his family returned his extensive collection to Cambodian authorities.

The players

Leon Black

A billionaire art collector and former CEO of Apollo Global Management. The Epstein files reveal he owned a collection of Southeast Asian artworks potentially linked to the indicted antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford.

Douglas Latchford

A disgraced antiquities dealer who was indicted in 2019 on charges of fraud and conspiracy for his dealings in Cambodian artifacts. He died in 2020 before his case could go to trial.

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender whose files revealed the connections between Leon Black and Douglas Latchford.

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What’s next

It remains to be seen if any further investigations or legal actions will result from the revelations in the Epstein files regarding Leon Black's art collection and its potential ties to the disgraced antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of combating the illicit trade in looted antiquities, even among the highest echelons of the art world. It underscores the need for greater transparency and scrutiny around the provenance of high-value artworks, especially those with connections to convicted criminals and disgraced dealers.