Prosecutors in New Mexico have filed a civil lawsuit against Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn, two longtime associates of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, alleging they played a key role in concealing abuse and profiting from his sex trafficking network. Indyke and Kahn, who serve as the sole executors of Epstein's estate, have denied any involvement in his crimes.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated that the two men are accused of obstructing victims' efforts to seek compensation from Epstein's fortune, estimated at approximately $635 million at the time of his death. The lawsuit, filed under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act and New Mexico Racketeering Act, seeks to prevent Indyke and Kahn from profiting while victims pursue accountability.
"Those resources rightfully belong in the hands of survivors - there should be no distribution of Mr Epstein's remaining assets to people like Mr Indyke and Mr Kahn for participation in what I think is one of the most horrific criminal enterprises in modern America," Torrez said during a news conference.
Indyke and Kahn have worked with Epstein for decades and previously testified to Congress, stating they were unaware of his criminal activities. Their attorney, Daniel Weiner, issued a statement calling the allegations "categorically false" and asserting that his clients "emphatically reject" the claims. Weiner added that the New Mexico prosecutor did not contact his clients before filing the lawsuit and that they have cooperated with investigations when asked.
Epstein named Indyke and Kahn as co-executors in August 2019, two days before his death in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He revised his will to transfer his wealth into a trust administered by the lawyer and accountant. As beneficiaries of this trust, Indyke and Kahn could receive substantial sums from Epstein's remaining assets after claims are settled.
Torrez emphasized that Epstein's crimes were facilitated by others, including lawyers and accountants, and that their pursuit of accountability continues. He argued that those who allegedly enabled the exploitation should not profit from it while victims deal with the aftermath.
The lawsuit is separate from New Mexico's ongoing criminal investigation into Epstein's activities, which was reopened in February.