Hunt for proof of Epstein's crimes turns to 'paedophile island' after FBI raid

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A US flag on the island Credit: AP

FBI investigators yesterday raided Jeffrey Epstein's private hideaway in the US Virgin Islands.

Despite the disgraced financier's suicide on the weekend, Attorney General William Barr has vowed to continue the federal sex-trafficking case against him and "any co-conspirators".

Epstein's death adds urgency to the search for physical evidence, and his close associate and ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell reportedly said the island had been "entirely wired for video". 

Little St James Island has gained a variety of sinister nicknames over the years, including 'Paedophile Island' and 'Orgy Island.'

Esptein reportedly called it 'Little St Jeff's'.

He purchased the island in 1998 for $7.95 million, and his 75-acre property there is now ringed with towering 40ft palm trees, dotted with large parrot structures, and protected by security guards.

The billionaire built roads, villas, and a mysterious white square edifice that looked like a temple with a golden dome.

One former employee said Epstein once had a large ferry in which he transported up to 200 workers from the larger island of St Thomas to his island every day for construction work.

The man said he saw a handful of young women when he was on Epstein's property, but he believed they were older than 18.

In this July 30, 2008 file photo, Jeffrey Epstein, center, is shown in custody in West Palm Beach, Fla
In this July 30, 2008 file photo, Jeffrey Epstein, center, is shown in custody in West Palm Beach, Fla Credit:  Palm Beach Post

"When he was there, it was keep to yourself and do your thing," the man said, adding that Epstein paid well.

Another former worker told Bloomberg he saw women sunbathing naked and there was a "zen-like" atmosphere.

There was also a steel safe in the main house, with such a high level of security it was suggested the lock box "contained more than just money."

Epstein's stone mansion on the island has cream walls and a bright turquoise roof. Nearby is a maids' quarters.

The massive, square-shaped temple-like building sits at one end of the island, along with a US flag.

Workers suggested the structure was a music room fitted with a grand piano and acoustic walls. The gold dome flew off it during the 2017 hurricane season.

Epstein also owns neighbouring Great St. James Island, which once was popular with locals and tourists for its main attraction, Christmas Cove, where it was possible to order pizza and have it delivered by boat.

 

One woman running a charter company told the Associated Press she was elated when Epstein got arrested but is now annoyed at tourists' curiosity, saying she reluctantly shares whispered details of his case with them.

Vernon Morgan, a taxi driver on St Thomas, said: "It brought some kind of notoriety to the Virgin Islands. We would much rather that the Virgin Islands be seen in a different light." 

One alleged Epstein victim has claimed in court documents that she participated in an orgy on  Little St James.

She also claimed to have seen former US President Bill Clinton on the island, but said that she never saw him having sex with anyone.

A Clinton spokesman has issued a statement saying he never visited there.

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