UN panel says Epstein abuses may constitute ‘crimes against humanity’

Experts say newly recently released documents show the need for an independent investigation into Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring.Published On 18 Feb 2026A group of United Nations experts have suggested that abuses carried out by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein could meet the definition of crimes against humanity.On Tuesday, the independent experts appointed by the UN-human-rights-council" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="3938" data-entity-type="organization">UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) released a statement in response to the millions of files released by the United States government related to criminal investigations into Epstein.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3New Mexico lawmakers launch probe into Epstein’s Zorro Ranchlist 2 of 3Former Israeli PM Barak responds to criticism over close Epstein linkslist 3 of 3Logistics giant DP World replaces chief named in Epstein filesend of listThey explained that the records tell a story of dehumanisation, racism and corruption.“So grave is the scale, nature, systematic character, and transnational reach of these atrocities against women and girls, that a number of them may reasonably meet the legal threshold of crimes against humanity,” the experts wrote.The UNHRC panel called for an investigation into allegations around Epstein and his associates, who include prominent figures in global politics, business, science and culture.They added that the revelations from the files suggest a “global criminal enterprise”.“All the allegations contained in the ‘Epstein Files’ are egregious in nature and require independent, thorough, and impartial investigation, as well as inquiries to determine how such crimes could have taken place for so long,” the experts said.The latest condemnation follows the January 30 release of 3.5 million pages of files from the US government’s records on Epstein.The files were required to be released as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation signed into law in November.