New Mexico’s Attorney General filed a federal lawsuit on Oct. 21 against Darren Indyke, Epstein’s longtime attorney, and Richard Kahn, his accountant, alleging they facilitated and concealed Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operation, including abuse at his Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in New Mexico, seeks to block Indyke and Kahn from receiving any payments from Epstein’s estate, currently valued at over $107 million. The state also requests disgorgement of all funds they allegedly received through illegal activities, as well as damages for survivors and reimbursement for investigation costs.
Key Developments
- The lawsuit accuses Indyke and Kahn of violating federal and state racketeering laws by participating in Epstein’s trafficking enterprise and receiving proceeds from it.
- Indyke and Kahn are co-executors of Epstein’s estate and beneficiaries of a 1953 Trust, with potential bequests of $50 million and $25 million, respectively, subject to available funds.
- New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez stated in a briefing that the pair’s alleged involvement makes it “unconscionable” for them to benefit from Epstein’s remaining assets, which he argued “rightfully belong to survivors.”
Legal and Financial Claims
The complaint alleges that Indyke and Kahn helped finance and conceal Epstein’s trafficking network, including payments to girls and young women. It cites their roles in managing Epstein’s financial affairs, such as signing off on tuition payments for young women and overseeing transactions linked to the ranch.
The lawsuit also references testimonies from Indyke and Kahn, who have previously told Congress they were unaware of Epstein’s abuse. However, the state disputes this, arguing their actions enabled the operation.
Broader Context and Related Investigations
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in federal prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in the trafficking scheme.
The lawsuit follows a report by The Wall Street Journal that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York had opened an investigation into Indyke and Kahn. Both men have also testified in private to the House Oversight Committee, which has been examining Epstein’s network.
State’s Position and Demands
Torrez emphasized that the lawsuit is part of a broader effort to hold enablers accountable, stating, “Jeffrey Epstein did not operate alone, and his death does not end the pursuit of accountability.” The state is seeking:
- A court order blocking distribution of Epstein’s assets to Indyke and Kahn.
- Full disgorgement of funds they received through illegal activities.
- Compensation for survivors and reimbursement for investigation costs.
Responses and Unanswered Questions
Attorneys for Indyke and Kahn have not responded to requests for comment. The U.S. Justice Department also did not immediately comment on any federal investigation into the pair in New Mexico.
The lawsuit underscores ongoing efforts to recover assets for victims while targeting those alleged to have profited from or enabled Epstein’s crimes.