The U.S. Virgin Islands Seeks $190 Million in Lawsuit Against JPMorgan Chase
Background
The government of the U.S. Virgin Islands is pursuing a lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase, accusing the bank of facilitating sex trafficking by its former customer Jeffrey Epstein. In response to a court request, the Virgin Islands has estimated that it will seek damages of at least $190 million in the case.
The Allegations
The Virgin Islands’ suit alleges that JPMorgan Chase benefited from Epstein’s trafficking of young women, allowing him to keep millions of dollars in accounts at the bank. The suit claims that despite multiple red flags raised by bank employees, the bank continued to facilitate Epstein’s illegal activities.
The Request
In addition to seeking monetary damages, the Virgin Islands is asking the court to require JPMorgan Chase to take steps to protect young women and girls from future predators. The government wants the bank to implement new policies, including separating its business and compliance functions and designating an independent compliance consultant to prevent human trafficking.
JPMorgan’s Response
JPMorgan Chase has denied any wrongdoing in the case. The bank has also accused the Virgin Islands of being complicit in Epstein’s crimes, alleging that high-ranking officials accepted money, advice, and favors from Epstein in exchange for turning a blind eye to his activities.
Settlements and Other Lawsuits
Last month, JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay $290 million to settle a lawsuit by one of Epstein’s accusers, without admitting wrongdoing. In May, Deutsche Bank agreed to pay $75 million to settle a separate lawsuit by another accuser. Deutsche Bank had taken on Epstein as a customer after JPMorgan Chase ended its relationship with him.
Epstein’s Background
Epstein, who had associations with former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, as well as Bill Gates and Prince Andrew, pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting sex from an underage girl. He served 13 months in jail before his arrest on federal child sex trafficking charges in 2019, which ultimately led to his suicide in a New York federal jail.