Estonian lawmakers urge security authorities to probe Epstein links

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA)—Opposition Social Democratic Party (SDE) lawmakers in Estonia called on domestic security agencies on Tuesday to examine recently released Jeffrey Epstein files for any possible links to the country or its citizens.

The US Justice Department recently released more than 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images related to Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law in November by Trump.

The materials include photographs, grand jury transcripts, and investigative records, though many pages remain heavily redacted.

Approximately 200 references within the files mention Estonia, including one that refers to an unnamed prime minister, according to broadcaster ERR.

Twelve Social Democratic lawmakers addressed the issue to Interior Minister Igor Taro, noting that public figures from multiple countries have appeared in the documents.

The MPs said in their inquiry that Estonia is mentioned in the files as a country where Epstein, as a predator, may have obtained victims, a situation being investigated by Latvia.

Separately, Arnold Sinisalu, former director general of the Internal Security Service, called on authorities to examine whether individuals in Estonia mentioned in the files could be vulnerable to blackmail, potentially posing a threat to national security and democratic institutions.

The SDE MPs emphasized the importance of a transparent, systematic, and decisive response to protect human rights, victims, and Estonia's security.

The inquiry asked Interior Minister Taro whether the Internal Security Service and the Prosecutor's Office are reviewing the published Epstein materials and whether any networks, individuals, or connections indicating Estonia’s involvement in Epstein's activities have been identified.

Lawmakers stated they want to understand what additional measures the government deems necessary to evaluate and reduce potential security risks, including susceptibility to blackmail, human trafficking, or the presence of influence networks in Estonia.

Latvia recently announced criminal proceedings based on the Epstein files to investigate possible human trafficking involving Latvian citizens. Similarly, Lithuania has launched an investigation after the documents referenced Lithuanian models and public figures.

Epstein was found dead by suicide in a New York City jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving underage girls.