British Whistleblower Who Accused Trump Official of Epstein Ties Found Dead in Thailand

Simon Andriesz, a 57-year-old British banker and whistleblower, was found dead from hanging in Thailand, according to reports. Andriesz had publicly stated that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, an associate of former President Donald Trump, failed to disclose a business relationship with financier Jeffrey Epstein. The Khlong Luang Town municipality office listed the cause of death as 'asphyxiation from hanging.'

Andriesz, who previously worked on Wall Street and was most recently living in Cornwall, had claimed to have uncovered emails from 2018 suggesting a discussion between Lutnick and Epstein regarding a startup business. Epstein died in prison in 2019, a year after these alleged communications, and a decade after his 2008 conviction for child sex offenses.

His family issued a statement remembering Andriesz as a man with a "strong sense of right and wrong" who found it difficult to "look the other way." They expressed gratitude for the support shown since his death and hope he will be remembered for his life and courage, rather than the circumstances of his passing. They also emphasized the need for compassion and privacy for his son and loved ones.

Andriesz shared his findings from the Epstein files with members of the U.S. House Oversight Committee before Lutnick testified before them in May. Lutnick maintained that he only learned of Epstein's involvement as an investor in the firm this year, and the U.S. Commerce Department stated there was no evidence of wrongdoing. Separately, Andriesz had also told the BBC that one of Lutnick's firms had explored a business deal in 2013 involving Prince Andrew, reportedly involving a £1 million loan to 'buy a prince,' a deal that did not materialize. Lutnick was a guest at Prince Andrew's daughter Princess Eugenie's wedding in 2018.

Andriesz had previously spoken about the personal costs of his whistleblowing, including impacts on his career, health, and family. He worked for BGC Group, where Lutnick was chief executive, for 35 years before being dismissed in 2017. BGC disputed his allegations, calling them 'categorically false' and unsubstantiated. The company expressed condolences for his family's loss, stating they do not intend to "relitigate these matters at this sad time."

Following Andriesz's revelations, MPs have called for an investigation into the treatment of whistleblowers by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which Andriesz had contacted with concerns about retaliation. The FCA has appointed a non-executive director to review its interactions with Andriesz. Labour MP John McDonnell described Andriesz's death as a "profound and preventable tragedy" and criticized the FCA, calling for its chairman Ashley Alder to resign.

Andy Agathangelou, founder of the Transparency Task Force, called Andriesz a "whistleblower who stood up for what was right." He added that Andriesz felt "let down by some of those who he needed to trust." A GoFundMe page has been established by a friend to support Andriesz's son.

Lutnick previously stated he met Epstein three times and unequivocally condemned his conduct. A White House statement defended Lutnick, calling a BBC report an "attempt to slander Secretary Lutnick." Trump himself has been photographed with Epstein and has denied knowledge of his sex offending.