Government responds to Island's inclusion in Epstein files

Newly released documents reveal over 100 references to the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man Government says it 'will not hesitate to investigate, pursue, and take appropriate action against any individual or entity engaged in criminal conduct within the Island’s jurisdiction'.

The statement comes after it emerged that over 100 references to the Isle of Man were made within the recently released Epstein files.

On Friday 30 January, millions of new files relating to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

It is worth noting that there is no suggestion of wrongdoing by being named in Epstein-related documents.

The latest batch of documents is the largest to be shared by the DOJ since a law mandated their release last year.

When searching the online database for the term 'Isle of Man', 116 results appear.

Other searches such as 'Tynwald' turn up no results, whilst the likes of 'Douglas' show thousands of hits - but many are in reference to people's names, rather than the Manx capital.

The majority of results for the Island are references contained within emails relating to VAT registration, the potential purchase of an aircraft, and the registration of a yacht.

It is also mentioned in the small print of legal documents.

Manx Radio contacted the Isle of Man Government for comment regarding the Island's inclusion, particularly with regards to what it means for our international reputation.

In response, it said: "The Isle of Man Government, like many other governments globally, is aware that a significant number of jurisdictions are referenced in the recently released Epstein Files.  

"Maintaining the Isle of Man’s international reputation as a trusted, responsible and well‑regulated jurisdiction is of the utmost importance to us.

"The Isle of Man Government – along with all relevant agencies and statutory bodies – operates a zero‑tolerance approach to criminal activity of any kind. 

"Over recent years, significant and far‑reaching measures have been implemented to ensure that our systems and processes are robust, transparent and fully aligned with international standards.

"We will not hesitate to investigate, pursue, and take appropriate action against any individual or entity engaged in criminal conduct within the Island’s jurisdiction. 

"The Government remains firmly committed to upholding the integrity of the Isle of Man and protecting the reputation of our community."

MOORE STEPHENS

There are also 27 references to Douglas-based accounting and business advisory firm Moore Dixon (referred to throughout by its former name of Moore Stephens).

These documents contain invoices for work, and references to the firm in email correspondence.

Again, there is no suggestion of wrongdoing by being named in Epstein-related documents.

Moore Dixon says: ‘We are of course aware of the inclusion of Moore Stephens in the Epstein files, but we do not know of any direct connection between Mr Epstein and this firm. 

‘The matters in the released files include comments published in a trade journal and otherwise commercial matters unconnected to the wider Epstein issues. 

‘We note the response of the Isle of Man Government in the  commitment to upholding integrity, a value we wholly endorse.’