Newly released documents from the United States Department of Justice have revealed fresh details about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his connections with powerful political figures in Africa.
The records show that Epstein built close relationships in Senegal and Ivory Coast, linking money, influence, and politics.
Close Ties in Senegal
The files show that Epstein had a strong relationship with Karim Wade, the son of former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade. They first met in 2010 through Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.
After their meeting in Paris, the two exchanged friendly emails and discussed possible business projects in finance and energy. Epstein described Wade as “one of the most important players in Africa” and introduced him to international contacts, including political and business leaders.
Although the documents do not show any connection between Wade and Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes, they suggest Epstein offered strong financial and personal support to him.
When Wade lost power in 2012 and later faced corruption charges in Senegal, Epstein offered him the use of his Florida home. During Wade’s legal troubles, invoices show that payments worth hundreds of thousands of dollars were sent to Wade’s lawyer from one of Epstein’s companies. Epstein also helped fund lobbying efforts in the United States to push for Wade’s release.
Wade was released from prison in 2016 and later moved to Qatar. There is no evidence in the files that proves he was involved in Epstein’s criminal activities.
Links in Ivory Coast
The documents also show that Epstein had connections in Ivory Coast through Nina Keita, the niece of President Alassane Ouattara.
Keita reportedly helped Epstein arrange meetings in Abidjan and even booked him into the luxury Hotel Ivoire. Emails show she acted as a link between Epstein and senior officials in the country.
Some emails also raise concerns about Epstein’s interest in young women. In one message, he requested pictures of a young woman’s sister and said he preferred women under 25. Records show that he later met one woman in Paris after receiving her contact details.
There is no official response yet from Keita, Karim Wade, or the Ivorian presidency regarding the new revelations.
A Wider Network of Influence
The newly released files highlight how Epstein used his wealth to build relationships with political leaders and influential figures across different countries. Through financial help, business deals, and personal connections, he expanded his network far beyond the United States.
However, authorities have clarified that the mention of any individual in the Epstein files does not automatically mean they were involved in his crimes.
The documents continue to shed light on how Epstein combined money, power, and access to build global influence before his arrest and death in 2019.
