Epstein estate's $35 million settlement with accusers wins preliminary judge approval

A US judge has granted preliminary approval to a $35 million settlement between Jeffrey Epstein’s estate and accusers who alleged that advisors Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn aided his sex trafficking. The agreement, announced by Boies Schiller Flexner on February 19, requires final approval at a hearing scheduled for September 16. This settlement aims to resolve a 2024 lawsuit against Indyke and Kahn, who serve as co-executors of Epstein’s estate.

Previously, Epstein’s estate established a restitution fund that distributed $121 million to victims and paid an additional $49 million in settlements. While neither Indyke nor Kahn admitted wrongdoing, their lawyer, Daniel Weiner, stated the settlement was reached to achieve finality for potential claims against the estate. Sigrid McCawley, representing the plaintiffs, expressed satisfaction with the progress toward justice for the survivors.

Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019. The lawsuit alleged that Indyke and Kahn facilitated Epstein’s abuses by creating a network of corporations and bank accounts to conceal his activities. Boies Schiller Flexner previously secured $365 million in settlements with JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank for allegedly overlooking red flags related to Epstein’s financial dealings.

(Source：CNBC TV18)