The “Epstein Files” is a collective term for various documents related to the case of Jeffrey Epstein — an American financier and convicted sex offender who was accused of exploiting underage girls, allegedly for the benefit of wealthy and influential individuals.

What these files include:
1. Court documents — testimonies from victims and witnesses, lawsuits, and materials from both civil and criminal cases, including those against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s close associate.
2. Deposition transcripts — especially the statements by Virginia Giuffre (one of the key victims), in which she names public figures.
3. Epstein’s “Black Book” — a notebook containing contact information for powerful individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.
4. FBI and CIA documents — some of this information was released or leaked during investigations.
5. Flight logs from the “Lolita Express” (Epstein’s private jet) — records of passengers, including politicians, princes, and Hollywood actors.
6. Journalistic publications — in 2023–2024, some of these documents began appearing in media reports and public databases.

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Why it sparks interest and scandal:
• The documents mention prominent figures, including Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Bill Gates, director Woody Allen, the CIA chief, actors, bankers, and university presidents.
• Many of these materials were previously classified, and their gradual release has fueled widespread debate.
• There are growing suspicions that many powerful individuals might have been involved in Epstein’s criminal network — yet continue to avoid accountability.

In January 2024, around 900 pages from the case Giuffre vs. Maxwell were unsealed. These are often referred to as the “Epstein Files” because they mention over 170 previously hidden names.