Newly released documents reveal that Jeffrey Epstein and high-powered Manhattan attorney Brad Karp plotted to arrange the deportation of a woman deemed inconvenient to someone in Epstein's social circle. The efforts were unsuccessful, but emails also indicate that Karp, who previously represented Epstein's associate Leon Black, coordinated surveillance on the woman.
Newly Released Documents Detail Epstein-Karp Interactions
Allegations of Deportation Plot and Surveillance Coordinated by High-Powered Attorney
The correspondence, made public in the Justice Department's recent disclosure of 3 million Epstein investigative files, suggests Karp attempted to use a connection within the Manhattan US attorney's office in Epstein's efforts to have the woman charged with a crime.
Emails from 2015 show Epstein and Karp, who resigned from his role at Paul Weiss last week, discussed utilizing law enforcement to potentially expel or jail the woman. Karp did not respond to requests for comment, nor did a spokesperson for Paul Weiss.
On July 29, 2015, Epstein asked Karp: "Is it possible for your contacts to 1 get her current visa status ? 2. Is there a way for us to file something that would revoke a tourist visa?" Karp responded hours later: "Both good ideas; will work on this."
These emails indicate the woman was reportedly unsettling an Epstein associate identified only as "Leon."
On August 16, 2015, Epstein inquired: "can you tell me for certain that if leon decides enough is enough, ... that you and lorin can have her arrested.!! fed extortion, high bail. . maybe deportation?"
"Lorin" is repeatedly mentioned in these exchanges. An attorney named Lorin Reisner, who began at Paul Weiss approximately a year before this correspondence, previously headed the criminal section at the Manhattan federal prosecutor's office. Reisner did not respond to requests for comment.
Karp subsequently responded to Epstein, stating:
"I'll check again with lorin, but my strong belief is that the answer is yes. Especially with the referral coming from the most recent head of the sdny usao."
Key Individuals Identified
The emails do not provide a surname for "Leon." Leon Black is listed in an FBI presentation page titled "PROMINENT NAMES" related to Epstein's case. Black has consistently denied any wrongdoing associated with Epstein.
In emails discussing surveillance, Karp mentioned on August 23, 2015, that "GG" was in Moscow. Guzel Ganieva filed a defamation lawsuit against Black in 2021, which was dismissed. Ganieva had accused Black of sexual assault.
Black's attorney, Susan Estrich, stated that Epstein provided tax and estate planning advice to Black and his family office. Estrich added that Ganieva was threatening Black and his family while attempting to blackmail him during the termination of their consensual relationship. Ganieva's legal team declined to comment.
Discussions on Legal and Surveillance Actions
Epstein continued exploring potential charges on August 16, 2015, asking about visa issues and the likelihood of deportation. Karp confirmed he would check with Lorin Reisner on these matters.
Reisner and Karp received an August 14, 2015, email containing a "draft transcript of a recording of a conversation between John Doe (JD) and [redacted]" at Le Bernadin. In this conversation, the John Doe addressed the other speaker as "Guzel" and discussed a request for $100 million as "extortion."
The John Doe outlined three potential outcomes and stated that if a "frivolous case" went public, he would pursue a criminal case, leading to potential jail time. He also mentioned consulting his lawyer, the "ex-head of the criminal division of the US Attorney," who affirmed a crime had been committed under federal and New York law.
Epstein and Karp also discussed the woman's whereabouts. On August 23, 2015, Epstein asked for details on her movements. Karp reported she went to an apartment building and then to JFK, having been moved through a garage in a car with tinted windows. Approximately a month later, Epstein inquired if she was still under surveillance and if she was a "pro."
Karp responded that surveillance had stopped on Friday and they were unaware if she had left London, though they could investigate suspicions. Epstein later asked Karp to determine the likelihood of a legal case against her in London or New York. Karp indicated that a private case could only be brought in London, and even there, a criminal trial for blackmail was considered unlikely to succeed.