There is a lot of confusion on what constitutes "the Epstein files." So let me explain. (Thread). First, there are the DOJ/FBI federal criminal case files. This is what Congress voted to release this past week. 1.
2. A small subset included with the DOJ files are the federal grand jury files. This is the evidence federal prosecutors present to a grand jury in order to get an indictment. It is a very small percentage of the files. (more)
3. The Oversight Committee Epstein files: these are they files that Congress obtain from Epstein's estate by issuing a subpoena. They include Epstein's calendars, emails and other documents that have been dripping out over they past few months. (more)
4. Epstein Civil Case files: Dozens of civil lawsuits were filed against Epstein, Maxwell, Epstein's estate, Epstein's banks and the FBI, mostly by victims. As these cases are litigated, a lot of discovery was produced implicating various people and institutions in Epstein's crimes....(more)
5. (Civil cases continued) Two of the civil cases, one filed against Maxwell by victim Virginia Giuffre, and the other filed against the FBI, produced an extraordinary amount of evidence we have already seen: plane logs, message pads, emails, etc. The Miami Herald (Brown v. Maxwell) has been responsible for the bulk of the unsealing in the Maxwell/Giuffre case, which is still ongoing. Several names in this case remain sealed, and we don't know why. (They are not victims' names, but John and Jane Doe names.) more
6. (civil cases con't) Despite the release and unsealing of portions of these civil case files, many of the documents remain sealed or redacted. Media organizations, such as the Miami Herald, New York Times, WSJ and some TV networks, have filed requests to unseal more documents. This is a painstaking process and it is SLOW. These are the documents that require a judge's ruling or a panel of judges to rule upon. (more)
7. Treasury Dept/IRS Epstein files: Sen. Ron Wyden has been in the forefront of seeking access to Epstein's financial records. However, he has not received support from Republicans on this front. These files are important because they show how Epstein made his money.
8. CIA files (if they exist): There has long been speculation that Epstein worked in intelligence. Release of these files, if they exist, would show to what extent he was involved in intelligence which would perhaps also explain why he managed to get away with his crimes for so long. (more)
9. Federal Aviation Administration records: Epstein had two jets and flew around the world. He was, after 2008, a convicted sex offender. Did anyone ever check to see whether he was bringing in women and girls from other countries. Not all his plane logs have been made public, and while the FAA does not hold Epstein's plane logs they do have records on where he flew. Homeland Security should also have records on his passengers when he arrived from overseas. (Last I asked for them, they were fully redacted.)
10. Last but not least: Remember that not all the claims against Epstein and his associates were filed in court. Many of them were also settled through quiet agreements that may never be known. I know of several. This is the best list I can think summarizing the history of "the Epstein files" at the moment. I hope it helps clear up some misconceptions. If I forgot anything I will file it as an added tweet. End//// @threadreaderapp
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