DOJ appears to bungle Epstein Files redactions

The Justice Department has blamed its delayed release of some so-called Epstein files on needing more time to redact sensitive information, like details identifying the victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. But at least some of the redactions so far released appear to mistakenly disclose information meant to be obscured from the public.

A 2022 complaint filed by the US Virgin Islands seeking damages from Epstein’s estate was posted to the “Epstein Library” on the DOJ website with several redactions throughout, Techdirt founder Mike Masnick, among others, shared on platforms like Bluesky. But simply copying and pasting many of the redactions into a new document reveals what’s beneath the black boxes. This method uncovers details like that one of the co-executors allegedly signed over $400,000 in checks from Epstein’s foundation “payable to young female models and actresses, including a former Russian model.” It also reveals that a co-executor had allegedly signed a foundation check with the former model’s last name in the memo line to an immigration lawyer “who was involved in one or more forced marriages arranged among Epstein’s victims to secure a victim’s immigration status.” It also uncovers details about one alleged victim in the complaint.

At least one outlet, Drop Site News, was also apparently able to guess the URL of files not yet on the website by extrapolating the format. Wired later found the link appeared to be broken.

The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Verge about the incidents.

The DOJ removed a photo from the files showing images of President Donald Trump among other framed photos of prominent figures including the Pope and former President Bill Clinton, before restoring it Saturday after backlash. The agency said on X it had “temporarily removed” it for review after the Southern District of New York flagged it “for potential further action to protect victims.” The DOJ said it restored the image without alteration after determining there was no evidence of victims in the photo.