Russia calls Epstein case a symbol of corruption in Western elite

Russian officials have seized on the Jeffrey Epstein case to level sharp criticism at Western power structures, calling the scandal a symbol of systemic corruption. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Sunday that the case exposes a high level of corruption among global elites and represents what she termed a "dominance of evil."

Zakharova's Allegations of Conspiracy

In comments to local media, Zakharova framed the Epstein affair as a story of collusion. She alleged it reveals "conspiracy among those in positions of power" across nations and international organizations, enabling them to sway global financial and economic processes. "These crimes were committed for the sake of evil," Zakharova argued, claiming they stemmed not from desperation or mere depravity but from a more profound malice.

Context of Recent Document Release

The Russian spokeswoman's remarks follow the recent release of a massive trove of documents related to the Epstein case by the U.S. Justice Department. Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, over 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images have been made public. These materials include photos, grand jury transcripts, and investigative records detailing Epstein's network of associates, which included billionaires, government officials, and media figures.

A "Small Snowflake on a Huge Iceberg"

Zakharova suggested the unveiled information is merely the beginning. "We know nothing about the Western elite. And this is only a small snowflake on a huge iceberg; it is not the tip of the iceberg," she stated, implying far more extensive wrongdoing remains hidden. The convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving minors.