Former top JPMorgan executive and ex-Barclays CEO Jes Staley took the stand in a UK court, facing questions about his deep connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Staley is challenging a hefty fine and lifetime ban from the UK’s financial sector, imposed over his alleged dishonesty regarding his ties to Epstein.
Staley declared he was oblivious to Epstein’s “monstrous activities” as he testified in his appeal against the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) decision. Reuters reported:
“Staley began his second day in the witness box at his appeal against a proposed ban and 1.8 million-pound ($2.3 million) fine from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), saying he had no idea of sex trafficking allegations against Epstein.
[…] Staley’s effort to clear his name also sheds light on his ties with Epstein, whose 2019 arrest for sex trafficking minors and subsequent death in custody brought scrutiny on the financier’s other high-profile associates.”
During the proceedings, the FCA’s lawyer pressed Staley on Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. Staley admitted to visiting Epstein during his work release but insisted he believed it was an isolated incident. He stated, “If I was aware of his monstrous activities, I would not have maintained a relationship.”
However, evidence from lawsuits involving the U.S. Virgin Islands and Epstein’s victims suggest otherwise. Barclays Chair Nigel Higgins initially claimed that Staley’s relationship with Epstein ended before 2015, but emails from JPMorgan reveal a different story.
Our previous analysis delved deeper into this matter, highlighting JPMorgan’s attempts to deflect blame onto the U.S. Virgin Islands for Epstein’s crimes while pursuing Staley in court. Disturbingly, Staley’s emails reveal a “profound” connection with Epstein, with over 60 meetings and plans for a private mooring at Epstein’s infamous Caribbean retreat.
The Daily Mail reported on Staley’s sycophantic communication with Epstein, even during the latter’s imprisonment. “I miss you,” he wrote, encouraging Epstein during his time of legal troubles and lauding his influence in securing a raise from JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon.
In shockingly intimate emails, Staley thanked Epstein for his support in getting his daughter into Columbia University, despite her less-than-stellar scores. MSN reported on Staley’s words of gratitude, referring to Epstein as “one of our deepest friends. And most honest of people.”
The New York Post shared allegations of Staley’s misconduct, as court documents accuse him of assaulting a victim at Epstein’s retreat, asserting he had “Epstein’s permission” to act as he pleased.
In emails with Epstein, referenced in court, Staley engaged in disturbing exchanges, including joking about Disney princesses. He wrote, “That was fun. Say hi to Snow White,” to which Epstein responded, “What character would you like next?” Staley replied, “Beauty and the Beast.”
