Former Russian official linked to FSB sought help for Jeffrey Epstein

US Official with Ties to Russian Intelligence Agency Collected Information on Woman for Epstein

Documents released by the US Department of Justice have revealed that a former official with links to Russia’s FSB intelligence services collected information on a woman at the request of Jeffrey Epstein. In 2015, Epstein reached out to Sergei Belyakov, a former deputy minister of economic development, for advice on an alleged attempt to blackmail several businessmen in New York.

Epstein described the situation as “bad for business for everyone involved” and asked for suggestions. Belyakov responded by stating that he needed time to gather information about the woman and would meet with someone who knew her the next day. Several days later, Belyakov sent Epstein a brief description of the woman’s background, including details about her sex and escort business.

Belyakov, who had previously worked for the Kremlin, relied on Epstein for access to high-profile figures in his network. In 2014, he told Epstein that he did not know many people who could offer “new horizons and prospects.” Belyakov also sought Epstein’s help in organizing meetings with American venture capitalist Peter Thiel and billionaire heir Thomas Pritzker.

The documents show that Belyakov used Epstein as a conduit to gather information on various individuals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. In an email to former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland in 2018, Epstein suggested that Belyakov could use his connections with Putin and Lavrov to facilitate discussions.

Efforts to contact Belyakov were unsuccessful, and representatives from Thiel’s foundation and Pritzker’s foundation declined to comment on the matter.

Source: Al Jazeera