HSBC and Barclays face $12bn lawsuit over Epstein-linked trust
HSBC and Barclays are sued for $12 billion over alleged fraudulent activities linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and a Jersey trust.Summary
HSBC and Barclays are facing a $12 billion lawsuit in the United States concerning La Hougue, a defunct Jersey trust business suspected of large-scale fraud and linked to Jeffrey Epstein. An American heiress and her husband allege breach of trust and dishonest assistance related to improper offshore asset transfers. The lawsuit claims decades of fraudulent practices at La Hougue, including fabricated loans and backdated documents, were used to benefit others at the expense of the beneficiary. While Barclays and Zedra acted as trustees, HSBC allegedly provided “dishonest assistance” by taking on accounts related to La Hougue when the trust moved to Panama. The case also involves the Maxwell family, with documents suggesting their involvement in unusual debt arrangements, though they deny any wrongdoing. This lawsuit adds to the Epstein-related issues that have previously impacted Barclays, including the scandal surrounding former boss Jes Staley.
(Source：The Times)