A billionaire mogul says paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein stole vast sums from his family.
Les Wexner, 88, who was behind retailers including Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, was answering questions about his friendship with Epstein in a behind-closed-door session on Wednesday with US Congress.
Mr Wexner, who is pictured in the Epstein files, has not been accused of any wrongdoing and always denied any knowledge or involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
He is one of Epstein’s most prominent former friends, and their relationship stretches back to the 1980s, but he is on the record as saying he regrets the friendship.
“In August 2019, he said: “I am embarrassed that, like so many others, I was deceived by Mr Epstein.
“I know now that my trust in him was grossly misplaced and I deeply regret having ever crossed his path.”
Ahead of the hearing, Mr Wexner, who had allowed Epstein to manage his finances, released a statement he was due to provide to US Congress.
He said he was “pleased to testify” because it would provide “an opportunity to set the record straight”, but added he had been “naive, foolish, and gullible” for trusting Epstein with his business.
Mr Wexner stressed he did not know about or witness Epstein’s crimes or take part in them.
He added that Epstein had revealed in 2006 that he had legal issues in Florida, which later turned into his conviction for sexual abuse.
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A year later, he revealed the situation “could become messy” and left it to Mr Wexner’s wife to handle their personal finances.
This led to the family discovering “Epstein had stolen vast sums from our family”, he said.
Mr Wexner said: “Once I learned of his abusive conduct and theft from my family, I never spoke with Epstein again. Never.”
The businessman also testified on Wednesday that he had never seen Epstein with any young girls, and his heart goes out to each of his victims. “The pain he inflicted upon them is unfathomable to me,” he said
‘Birthday book’
A note from a person signed as “Leslie” featured in Epstein’s “birthday book”, which was released as part of the Epstein files.
The note addresses Epstein and says the author wanted to “get you what you want” over what appears to be a drawing of breasts. It is then signed with “your friend Leslie”. As there is no surname, it is unclear who the author is.
Sky News’ data and forensics team have analysed the signature and believe there are similarities with Mr Wexner’s handwriting.
Being featured in the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
UK police forces investigating information from Epstein files
On Wednesday, West Midlands Police said it was assessing information “that has emerged in relation to private flights into and out of Birmingham Airport following the publication of the US DoJ Epstein files”.
It is understood private jets linked to Epstein passed through BHX, according to flight logs between the early 1990s and 2018.
That was the fourth UK police statement, connected to the Epstein files, since Tuesday.
Essex Police had said on Tuesday it was working through logs of private jets that had travelled through Stansted Airport, while Bedfordshire Police said it was reviewing links to London Luton Airport.
On Wednesday afternoon, Surrey Police said it was carrying out enquires over claims of human trafficking and sexual assault, dating back to 1994.
The National Crime Agency confirmed “a number” of UK police forces are assessing allegations that have emerged through the Epstein files.
Last week, Thames Valley Police said it was assessing claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential documents with Epstein while acting as trade envoy.
Andrew has vigorously denied any accusations against him related to Epstein and his crimes.
Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police confirmed Peter Mandelson would face a criminal investigation into allegations he leaked market sensitive information from Downing Street to Epstein while serving as business secretary.
Lord Mandelson has said of his connection to Epstein in a statement: “I was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards.
“I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered.”
