US DOJ Watchdog to Probe Handling of Epstein Files Release

Washington: The internal watchdog of the US Department of Justice has launched a review into how the department handled the release of investigative records linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) said it will evaluate the processes used to identify, redact, and disclose documents under a law passed in November mandating the release of most files related to Epstein’s sex trafficking investigations. The legislation allows only limited exemptions, primarily to protect victims’ identities and ongoing probes.

The move comes amid bipartisan criticism over how the records were released. Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns that some victims’ identities may have been inadvertently exposed, while also questioning whether certain redactions exceeded what the law permits.

The review will focus on how the department collected and processed millions of pages of documents, as well as how it responded to concerns after the release. The watchdog has said it will publish a report, though such investigations can take considerable time.

The case continues to draw scrutiny due to Epstein’s links with influential figures and the role of his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who has also faced legal action.

The issue has remained politically sensitive, with the DOJ defending its actions by stating that over 3 million pages have been released and that any disclosure of sensitive information was unintentional due to tight timelines.