Epstein’s Accountant Testifies: Names Key Clients in Probe of Financier’s Wealth
By Financial and Investigations Correspondent
Published in a global news outlet, March 2026
Richard Kahn, the longtime accountant for Jeffrey Epstein and co-executor of his estate, appeared for a closed-door deposition before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on March 11, 2026, providing insight into the disgraced financier’s opaque financial empire. The session, part of an ongoing congressional inquiry into Epstein’s wealth accumulation and elite connections, lasted several hours and centered on how Epstein amassed hundreds of millions over two decades through advisory roles and client relationships.
Kahn, who began working with Epstein around 2005 and handled his finances, investments, and estate matters—including island renovations—testified that their relationship was “strictly professional.” In prepared opening remarks, he described Epstein’s crimes as “terrible and unforgivable,” stating he was “not aware of the nature or extent” of the abuse until after Epstein’s 2019 suicide. He expressed regret for potentially assisting unknowingly and denied seeing red flags in transactions or socializing with Epstein.
Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) briefed reporters afterward, revealing Kahn identified five individuals who made “significant transactions” contributing to Epstein’s fortune: former Victoria’s Secret CEO Les Wexner, hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin, former Microsoft executive Steven Sinofsky, investor Leon Black, and members of the Rothschild banking family. Comer emphasized these were not accusations of wrongdoing but payments for services like tax and estate planning. Wexner has already been deposed; Black is scheduled soon. Representatives for some named parties have denied client relationships or knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, with Dubin’s team disputing any ongoing advisory role.
The testimony aligns with prior reporting on Epstein’s finances: Wexner granted Epstein power of attorney in the 1990s, transferring assets and paying him millions in fees before severing ties. Black reportedly paid Epstein tens of millions for advisory work, later settling related claims. Dubin and others appear in flight logs or documents but deny criminal involvement. No public evidence from Kahn’s deposition links payments directly to Epstein’s trafficking or abuse; Kahn maintained he viewed Epstein as a legitimate tax advisor and financial planner.
The inquiry, led by Republicans, seeks to trace Epstein’s wealth amid broader scrutiny of elite networks. Democrats, including Ranking Member Robert Garcia, criticized the closed format and questioned Kahn’s credibility, noting admissions like facilitating communications impersonating Epstein with banks and confirming Epstein frequently mentioned Donald Trump (though no transactions involving Trump or his family were identified). Garcia highlighted other details, such as Kahn’s role in a purported fake marriage arrangement tied to Epstein associates.
Epstein’s fortune—once estimated over $500 million—stemmed from Bear Stearns early career, then advisory fees from high-net-worth clients, often via complex structures. Offshore elements and trusts have surfaced in lawsuits, but Kahn’s testimony offered no new bombshells on hidden accounts or “protection rackets.” The estate has paid millions in victim settlements, with Kahn overseeing distributions.
The deposition follows prior sessions with Wexner and others, amid unsealed documents revealing Epstein’s web of influence. No criminal charges have arisen from these congressional probes, which focus on transparency rather than prosecution. Critics argue closed sessions limit public insight; supporters say they protect sensitive details.
As testimony continues—Darren Indyke, Epstein’s other executor, is due March 19—the focus remains on untangling how a convicted sex offender sustained elite access and wealth. Kahn’s account portrays a professional relationship absent overt red flags, but the named clients underscore persistent questions about accountability in high finance and power circles.
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