Was Epstein a Mossad agent?

LONDON - A recent release of documents related to the late billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s case by the US Department of Justice has reignited speculation about his possible ties to intelligence agencies. 

Among the millions of pages disclosed, a 2020 FBI memorandum stands out for its explosive — yet unverified — allegations: a confidential human source (CHS) claimed that Epstein was “trained as a spy” under former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and had become a “co-opted Mossad agent.”

The document, dated from reporting provided by an informant on October 16, 2020, was part of broader intelligence gathering on potential foreign influence in US electoral processes. However, the source reportedly expanded into other areas, including Epstein's network and activities.

The allegations in detail

According to the FBI memo, the confidential source became “convinced” that Epstein operated as an asset for Israeli intelligence Mossad.

The source claimed that Epstein maintained a close personal relationship with Barak, who served as Israel's prime minister from 1999 to 2001 and defense minister from 2007 to 2013.

It alleged that Epstein was “trained as a spy under him” (referring to Barak).

Epstein's longtime attorney, Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, reportedly told then-US Attorney Alex Acosta (who oversaw Epstein's 2008 plea deal) that Epstein “belonged to both US and allied intelligence services.”

The informant described relaying notes from intercepted or overheard phone calls between Dershowitz and Epstein to Mossad intermediaries.

Additional assertions pointed to Dershowitz himself being “co-opted” by Mossad.

The memo frames these as the informant's beliefs, shaped by exposure to Epstein's circle and regional political rivalries — including the source's claim that Barak viewed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “criminal.”

Importantly, the FBI document emphasizes that these are raw, unverified allegations from a single confidential source. No corroborating evidence is presented in the released memo to substantiate claims of espionage training, Mossad recruitment, or direct operational ties. Epstein and Barak's documented relationship

The allegations arrive against the backdrop of a well-documented, decade-long association between Epstein and Barak. Released materials show that Barak visited Epstein's New York townhouse more than 30 times between 2013 and 2017.

Epstein facilitated business introductions and meetings for Barak in various regions. In emails, he jokingly addressed persistent spy rumours, writing to Barak in one instance: “you should make clear that i dont work for mossad. :)” Barak responded playfully with emojis.

Audio recordings captured Barak discussing topics ranging from Russian immigration to Israel to consultancy fees paid to former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair — conversations that occurred in Epstein's presence or network.

Barak has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities, stating in interviews that he regrets the association and witnessed no improper behaviour. 

In response to the latest document release, Netanyahu publicly commented that Epstein's ties to Barak actually disprove theories of Israeli intelligence involvement, calling such claims unfounded.

Ongoing debate

Speculation about Epstein's intelligence connections has circulated for years, fueled by his unexplained wealth, high-level access, and the nature of his sex-trafficking operation — which some theorists suggest doubled as a blackmail scheme. Books, articles, and former associates (including statements from Ghislaine Maxwell's father, Robert Maxwell, who had alleged Mossad links) have kept these questions alive.

The 2020 FBI memo adds fresh fuel but remains one piece in a vast, incomplete puzzle. Official investigations have not confirmed Epstein as an intelligence asset for any country, and many claims rely on hearsay or circumstantial associations.

As more Epstein-related files continue to surface under public pressure and transparency laws, the document has intensified scrutiny of powerful networks — and the shadowy intersections of finance, politics, and espionage.