Epstein’s Network: How it Left its Mark in Switzerland

Jeffrey Epstein needed art, though he didn’t particularly care for it. He once requested a cello. Assistants located one of fine Italian craftsmanship, selected by a famous cellist. The price of over $150,000? Insignificant.

In 2010, Epstein appeared to many as the great Gatsby of the 21st century, surrounding himself with extravagant luxury after emerging from obscurity within New York’s elite. His wealth was too vast and of nebulous origin, and his parties were considered exclusive and excessive.

A Favor for the Swiss Gallery Owner

Many sought to benefit, from leading researchers to Woody Allen to Epstein’s accomplices. An assistant inquired if Epstein could arrange a job for his ex-girlfriend. She was Swiss, a diligent “girl” and would like to work for an American art museum. The writer then referred to an attached photo, emphasizing that this was not how the woman looked today. The Swiss gallery owner, whose name is known to the editorial team, does not wish to be made public. She has never had dealings with Epstein and has never benefited from him.

The assistant’s email is revealing because This proves typical. Typical of Epstein’s network is the direct, unambiguous formulation of a request. Typical, however, is also the condescending, macho tone; the designation as a “girl,” the reference to her appearance.

Epstein Offered a Zurich Professor $10 Million

Epstein’s ability to maintain his luxurious lifestyle – private jet, private island, largest private house in Manhattan – was due in part to the art market, which became an important source of contact and income for him. He also traded in famous Swiss art. He facilitated a sale of a work by Alberto Giacometti for billionaire Leon Black. “Figure moyenne II” is the characteristically thin sculpture, worth $25 million.

Epstein also sought to woo Swiss scientists. “Jeffrey Epstein wanted to give me $10 million,” says Ben Moore on the phone. Moore is a professor of astrophysics at the University of Zurich. For many years, he dreamed of organizing a festival with the smartest minds in the world. Moore had already found a suitable location on the Parsenn, a mountain near Davos. But the Swiss elite proved to be unwilling to contribute. “They only wanted to give smaller amounts. I understand that, the tradition is different than in the USA.” The offer from Epstein, with which Moore could easily have financed the festival, seemed all the more tempting.

The contact was made by Lawrence Krauss, like Moore a well-known astrophysicist, but also a confidant of Epstein. Krauss emailed Epstein in the fall of 2011, stating that the Zurich professor could prepare an excursion to “this Shangri-La place,” where the festival would take place. “Shangri-La” is a fantasy of writer James Hilton and describes a fictional paradise in the mountains of Tibet. This excursion did not take place. “When I Googled Epstein one evening, I came across his 2008 conviction, which Krauss had never told me about,” says Ben Moore. “That’s when it became clear to me that I couldn’t work with such a man.”

The Epstein Files reveal further approaches to the Swiss scientific elite. Epstein was interested in the CERN particle accelerator near Geneva. He then canceled a planned visit. Ariane de Rothschild, a Geneva banker, also recommended a meeting with Patrick Aebischer, whom she described as “smart, innovative and dynamic,” president of the EPFL in Lausanne. “Great,” Epstein emailed back. “I am always interested in smart people.” According to a spokesperson for the EPFL, the meeting did not take place.