Anadolu Agency February 16, 2026

UN Experts Call for Investigation Into Epstein Files, Warn of Crimes Against Humanity

Documents released in the Epstein files investigation.

Key Takeaways

▶ UN human rights experts called for international investigation into Epstein files, warning documents may contain evidence of crimes against humanity.
▶ Crimes against humanity designation requires proof of systematic attacks against civilians and carries no statute of limitations under international law.
▶ France, UK, and other nations have launched investigations or task forces following the file release earlier this month.
▶ Multiple high-profile figures including Goldman Sachs' top lawyer and Dubai ports chief have resigned since files became public.
▶ Independent analysis found DOJ released only 2% of Epstein files held by federal agencies despite claims of complete disclosure.

United Nations human rights experts called for an international investigation into the recently released Epstein files, stating the documents may contain evidence of crimes against humanity, according to Anadolu Agency.¹

The statement is the first time an international body has formally stated that the Epstein case may meet the threshold for crimes against humanity, a designation under international law for systematic attacks against civilian populations. Such crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and carry no statute of limitations under international law.¹

The designation requires proof of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians, including enslavement, torture, rape, or sexual violence as part of an organizational policy.

Government Actions Across Multiple Countries

The files have prompted official responses in multiple nations. France established a special team to review the documents for French nationals and opened an investigation into at least one diplomat.²

The United Kingdom launched a national task force to investigate trafficking allegations.³ Britain’s top prosecutor stated “nobody is above the law” as police examined evidence involving Prince Andrew.⁴

Resignations Following File Release

Multiple figures have left their positions since the file release. The chief of Dubai’s ports authority resigned after hundreds of emails surfaced. Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer resigned after being named in the documents. Casey Wasserman sold his talent agency and left his Olympic organizing role following the publication of his communications with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Dispute Over Completeness of Release

The Department of Justice released what it described as the complete Epstein files in mid-February after months of pressure from lawmakers. Attorney General Pam Bondi testified that the DOJ disclosed all available materials.

An independent analysis found the release represented only 2% of files held by federal agencies.⁵

Representative Thomas Massie accused the department of excessive redactions and said Bondi avoided eye contact with Epstein survivors during congressional testimony. Massie declared “I am not suicidal” as pressure mounted over the files.

Representative Nancy Mace accused the DOJ of withholding names and called for unredacted co-conspirator files. Multiple lawmakers accused Bondi of padding the list by including deceased celebrities who had no documented connection to alleged criminal conduct.

Congressional Subpoenas

Congress authorized the file release through the Epstein Transparency Act, signed into law earlier this year. The legislation required federal agencies to disclose all documents related to Epstein’s case.

Lawmakers have issued subpoenas to Peter Mandelson and Les Wexner to testify about their contacts with Epstein.

Documented Connections Across Institutions

The released files document contacts spanning academia, finance, politics, and media. Documents show Epstein sought to influence admissions at the University of Alabama. Epstein received invitations to congressional events years after his arrest. Political consultants offered Epstein access to New York Democrats in exchange for campaign donations, according to the files.¹

Documents show Epstein maintained contacts with Nobel Prize administrators, and that Nobel committee chairman Thorbjørn Jagland received gifts from Epstein, according to released files.