50/108 However, its predecessor from 1963, called the "Domestic...
Adam Cochran (adamscochran.eth)@adamscochran
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Jul 30, 2025
~8 min read
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However, its predecessor from 1963, called the "Domestic Operations Division" was also tasked with recruiting Americans for oversees operations as assets, focusing on "businessmen, financiers, and deal brokers with frequent international travel"
However, its predecessor from 1963, called the "Domestic Operations Division" was also tasked with recruiting Americans for oversees operations as assets, focusing on "businessmen, financiers, and deal brokers with frequent international travel"
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Throughout the 50s-80s, the CIA was involved in a number of scandals involving sexual kompromat including on US soil.
During one called "Operation Midnight Climax" unwitting participants were lured by prostitutes to CIA safe houses and drugged.
Throughout the 50s-80s, the CIA was involved in a number of scandals involving sexual kompromat including on US soil.
During one called "Operation Midnight Climax" unwitting participants were lured by prostitutes to CIA safe houses and drugged.
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But, the rare times we've seen the CIA develop domestic assets who weren't agents, was usually a matter of opportunity. I.e. someone they had worked with previously had developed into an influential role.
And had it not been for recent declassifications...
But, the rare times we've seen the CIA develop domestic assets who weren't agents, was usually a matter of opportunity. I.e. someone they had worked with previously had developed into an influential role.
And had it not been for recent declassifications...
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In the 1960-70s, the CIA launched a series of domestic missions including Operation RESISTANCE.
Very little is known about these missions even now, but this one stands out.
As it was focused on US Campuses.
In the 1960-70s, the CIA launched a series of domestic missions including Operation RESISTANCE.
Very little is known about these missions even now, but this one stands out.
As it was focused on US Campuses.
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The operation focused on US campuses, working with school administrators to develop background information on "student radical groups" and "anti-war" movements.
And one of their largest focus areas at the time?
Columbia.
The operation focused on US campuses, working with school administrators to develop background information on "student radical groups" and "anti-war" movements.
And one of their largest focus areas at the time?
Columbia.
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At the time, Donald Barr, had just finished at Columbia, and was living nextdoor to the acting president Andrew W. Cordier.
It was the same year, that Barr shifted from Columbia to running Dalton School, and at the height of Operation RESISTANCE, Barr hired Epstein.
At the time, Donald Barr, had just finished at Columbia, and was living nextdoor to the acting president Andrew W. Cordier.
It was the same year, that Barr shifted from Columbia to running Dalton School, and at the height of Operation RESISTANCE, Barr hired Epstein.
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We also learned from a 1967 report that Columbia was a feeder school for the CIA, including having special relations on campus groups and school administrators to refer highly talented students to the agency.
We also learned from a 1967 report that Columbia was a feeder school for the CIA, including having special relations on campus groups and school administrators to refer highly talented students to the agency.
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Now does this mean Epstein was working for the CIA?
No.
But it points to an important part of our story, that he was in the right circles where he was known to the most connected players in US Intelligence, and *could* have easily been developed later as an asset.
Now does this mean Epstein was working for the CIA?
No.
But it points to an important part of our story, that he was in the right circles where he was known to the most connected players in US Intelligence, and *could* have easily been developed later as an asset.
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But, we'll circle back to that, because now, we need to get back on track with how Epstein built his wealth.
It's not CIA or Mossad or government money.
In fact it's a lot closer to a Madoff, or SBF kind of story. One of fraud, and embezzlement.
But, we'll circle back to that, because now, we need to get back on track with how Epstein built his wealth.
It's not CIA or Mossad or government money.
In fact it's a lot closer to a Madoff, or SBF kind of story. One of fraud, and embezzlement.
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After setting up those accounts for Leese in 1986, Leese introduced Epstein to a man named Steven Hoffenberg, an American businessman operating out of London.
Hoffenberg needed ways to stash money offshore and Epstein provided that.
After setting up those accounts for Leese in 1986, Leese introduced Epstein to a man named Steven Hoffenberg, an American businessman operating out of London.
Hoffenberg needed ways to stash money offshore and Epstein provided that.
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In the 1970's Hoffenberg founded "Towers Financial Corporation" which he later claimed was Epstein's idea, but many contemporaries point out that Hoffenberg was Epstein's mentor.
The Towers Corporation became one of the largest Ponzi Schemes of all time, netting $475M
In the 1970's Hoffenberg founded "Towers Financial Corporation" which he later claimed was Epstein's idea, but many contemporaries point out that Hoffenberg was Epstein's mentor.
The Towers Corporation became one of the largest Ponzi Schemes of all time, netting $475M
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Epstein had been taking out flashy ads in US magazines and papers promoting his Intercontinental Assets Group Inc. (IAG) that was "focused on asset recovery" but based on the lack of filings, it seems more likely that his entire business had shifted to offshoring.
Epstein had been taking out flashy ads in US magazines and papers promoting his Intercontinental Assets Group Inc. (IAG) that was "focused on asset recovery" but based on the lack of filings, it seems more likely that his entire business had shifted to offshoring.
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At the time Epstein had just finished "client work" for Adnan Khashoggi, (yeah, the arms dealer), which matched his "fake passports" claim of living in Saudi Arabia, and is yet the second CIA related asset that was in Epstein's orbit at the time.
At the time Epstein had just finished "client work" for Adnan Khashoggi, (yeah, the arms dealer), which matched his "fake passports" claim of living in Saudi Arabia, and is yet the second CIA related asset that was in Epstein's orbit at the time.
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When he returned to the US he was hired by Hoffenberg to help build out Towers Financial Corporation, with Epstein designing and then promoting to his wealthy clients the fake bonds and promissory notes that raised more than $400M
When he returned to the US he was hired by Hoffenberg to help build out Towers Financial Corporation, with Epstein designing and then promoting to his wealthy clients the fake bonds and promissory notes that raised more than $400M
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In 1993, this all came crashing down as the SEC charged the company, and the FBI raided the Towers, bringing criminal charges against their fraud (all of which Hoffenberg pled guilty to)
But then it got weird...
In 1993, this all came crashing down as the SEC charged the company, and the FBI raided the Towers, bringing criminal charges against their fraud (all of which Hoffenberg pled guilty to)
But then it got weird...
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While Epstein appeared listed in the first versions of the case it was suddenly dropped.
Epstein was ultimately listed as an "unnamed uncharged, co-conspirator" and never faced any prosecution, the US Prosecutors still decline to comment to this day as to why.
While Epstein appeared listed in the first versions of the case it was suddenly dropped.
Epstein was ultimately listed as an "unnamed uncharged, co-conspirator" and never faced any prosecution, the US Prosecutors still decline to comment to this day as to why.
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Hoffenberg, who had previously operated out of Trump Tower (and called Trump "his crowd") was convicted to 18 years in prison, and ordered to pay back the stolen funds.
The problem?
They were mostly gone.
Hoffenberg, who had previously operated out of Trump Tower (and called Trump "his crowd") was convicted to 18 years in prison, and ordered to pay back the stolen funds.
The problem?
They were mostly gone.
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In 1988, Epstein had also started his new "Wealth Management Company"
J. Epstein & Company.
His hedge fund that seemed to have very few clients.
In a 2018 lawsuit Hoffenberg claims that's because much of it was embezzled from Towers.
In 1988, Epstein had also started his new "Wealth Management Company"
J. Epstein & Company.
His hedge fund that seemed to have very few clients.
In a 2018 lawsuit Hoffenberg claims that's because much of it was embezzled from Towers.
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During this time, while working for Towers, Epstein is introduced to Les Wexner, a Palm Beach businessman.
Trump in 1985, had just bought the rundown Mar-A-Lago with intent to refurbish it, but used it as a private residence for the first few years.
During this time, while working for Towers, Epstein is introduced to Les Wexner, a Palm Beach businessman.
Trump in 1985, had just bought the rundown Mar-A-Lago with intent to refurbish it, but used it as a private residence for the first few years.
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In 1987, Wexner hires Epstein as his financial advisor.
Around this time, Trump is frequently seen on the party scene, including with Robert Maxwell aboard his yacht The Lady Ghislaine.
And Epstein is believed to already be dating Ghislaine.
In 1987, Wexner hires Epstein as his financial advisor.
Around this time, Trump is frequently seen on the party scene, including with Robert Maxwell aboard his yacht The Lady Ghislaine.
And Epstein is believed to already be dating Ghislaine.
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Suddenly Robert Maxwell was found dead in 1991, after having apparently "fallen of his Yacht" and drowned.
It was later revealed that this was shortly after it had been discovered, that he had embezzled more than $400M from the Pension Fund of his newspapers.
Suddenly Robert Maxwell was found dead in 1991, after having apparently "fallen of his Yacht" and drowned.
It was later revealed that this was shortly after it had been discovered, that he had embezzled more than $400M from the Pension Fund of his newspapers.
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Luckily for the family, in the 1970s, he had created the Maxwell Foundation in Liechtenstein to store his families wealth.
And in the 1980s the structure of this was expanded, by a young financier - you guessed it: Epstein.
Luckily for the family, in the 1970s, he had created the Maxwell Foundation in Liechtenstein to store his families wealth.
And in the 1980s the structure of this was expanded, by a young financier - you guessed it: Epstein.
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The ability for the British Mirror Group PLC (or any other embezzled funds) to recover their funds from the trust is almost impossible, as after the Epstein restructuring the trust now owns equity in more than 400 entities across 40+ jurisdictions.
The ability for the British Mirror Group PLC (or any other embezzled funds) to recover their funds from the trust is almost impossible, as after the Epstein restructuring the trust now owns equity in more than 400 entities across 40+ jurisdictions.
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Ghislaine Maxwell then moved to New York, and she and Epstein soon lived in a $30M apartment, owned by one of their trust entities.
That same year, Epstein buys a Palm Beach property near the Mar-A-Lago.
Ghislaine Maxwell then moved to New York, and she and Epstein soon lived in a $30M apartment, owned by one of their trust entities.
That same year, Epstein buys a Palm Beach property near the Mar-A-Lago.
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Juan Alessi who helped managed that Florida house remembers Maxwell's guests including models, as well as celebrities like Donald Trump and Prince Andrew (whom she knew through Rosa Monckton and the late Princess Diana)
Juan Alessi who helped managed that Florida house remembers Maxwell's guests including models, as well as celebrities like Donald Trump and Prince Andrew (whom she knew through Rosa Monckton and the late Princess Diana)
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Maria Framer who was hired to work at the Epstein house in New York also noted that this was the time that many young girls started showing up at the Epstein residence.
Which Maxwell claimed was related to modeling positions.
Maria Framer who was hired to work at the Epstein house in New York also noted that this was the time that many young girls started showing up at the Epstein residence.
Which Maxwell claimed was related to modeling positions.
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It shouldn't be lost on anyone that around this time, two things happened:
1. Epstein was given power of attorney over Wexler's finances - L Brands which owned Victoria Secret.
2. And as confirmed in the July 1996 issue of Photo, began working with Jean Luc Brunel
It shouldn't be lost on anyone that around this time, two things happened:
1. Epstein was given power of attorney over Wexler's finances - L Brands which owned Victoria Secret.
2. And as confirmed in the July 1996 issue of Photo, began working with Jean Luc Brunel
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Who is Jean-Luc Brunel?
A French model scout who was charged with countless rapes and human trafficking charges spanning more than 3 decades.
After rising to fame at Karin Models in Paris, he began to run their Miami office.
Who is Jean-Luc Brunel?
A French model scout who was charged with countless rapes and human trafficking charges spanning more than 3 decades.
After rising to fame at Karin Models in Paris, he began to run their Miami office.
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Jean-Luc had met Ghisaline Maxwell in the 1980s.
And in the early 2000s, she made Jean-Luc a compelling deal.
She'd bring him the business of Victoria Secret and other L-Brands company (which Epstein managed via Wexler) and invest in their new agency.
Jean-Luc had met Ghisaline Maxwell in the 1980s.
And in the early 2000s, she made Jean-Luc a compelling deal.
She'd bring him the business of Victoria Secret and other L-Brands company (which Epstein managed via Wexler) and invest in their new agency.
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The catch was that the modeling agency had to provide models for various private functions as well.
And so MC2 Models was established, with investment from Epstein and offices in Miami and New York.
The catch was that the modeling agency had to provide models for various private functions as well.
And so MC2 Models was established, with investment from Epstein and offices in Miami and New York.
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With a steady stream of models, Epstein and Maxwell saw their influence and respective businesses grow.
They were now frequently hosting parties with socialites from all over the world.
They decided to expand.
With a steady stream of models, Epstein and Maxwell saw their influence and respective businesses grow.
They were now frequently hosting parties with socialites from all over the world.
They decided to expand.
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In 1998, Epstein bought the Island Little St James, in the US Virgin Islands.
And sometime in the early 2000s renovated the properties and began having guests on the Island.
There 2618 flights to the Island in the time the Epstein owned it.
In 1998, Epstein bought the Island Little St James, in the US Virgin Islands.
And sometime in the early 2000s renovated the properties and began having guests on the Island.
There 2618 flights to the Island in the time the Epstein owned it.
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Data collected by WIRED mapped the locations of more than 200 unique cellphones, seen all around the island. From the houses, to the forests, and even the weird water facing temple.
Data collected by WIRED mapped the locations of more than 200 unique cellphones, seen all around the island. From the houses, to the forests, and even the weird water facing temple.
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Visitors to the Island came from all over the US, but notable are the hubs in Palm Beach, New York and the areas surrounding DC.
Visitors to the Island came from all over the US, but notable are the hubs in Palm Beach, New York and the areas surrounding DC.
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By the mid 2000s, Brunel had created more modeling agencies around the world and had a steady set of clients, including those coming to Maxwell, Epstein, and (according to Giuffre) the Trump Mar-A-Lago.
By the mid 2000s, Brunel had created more modeling agencies around the world and had a steady set of clients, including those coming to Maxwell, Epstein, and (according to Giuffre) the Trump Mar-A-Lago.
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But in 2015, after the arrest of Epstein, rape charges caught up with Brunel putting him in the hands of French Police.
Where before any action could be taken against him, he was found dead in his cell from a hanging... all too familiar!
But in 2015, after the arrest of Epstein, rape charges caught up with Brunel putting him in the hands of French Police.
Where before any action could be taken against him, he was found dead in his cell from a hanging... all too familiar!
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It becomes clear from here, that Epstein's wealth was three fold:
1. Money embezzled from Towers and earned from offshoring to start his fund.
2. Maxwell family money.
3. Being invested in the boom of the 90s and 2000s.
It becomes clear from here, that Epstein's wealth was three fold:
1. Money embezzled from Towers and earned from offshoring to start his fund.
2. Maxwell family money.
3. Being invested in the boom of the 90s and 2000s.
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At its peak those close to Epstein estimate that his fund entities could have included up to $50B in offshore assets.
Meanwhile on his death, only $400M in assets were ever recovered.
At its peak those close to Epstein estimate that his fund entities could have included up to $50B in offshore assets.
Meanwhile on his death, only $400M in assets were ever recovered.
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So Epstein had most of his money *before* he developed the bulk of his blackmail.
So what was that about?
Power.
So Epstein had most of his money *before* he developed the bulk of his blackmail.
So what was that about?
Power.
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