Kremlin Brushes Off Claims Linking Epstein to Russian Intelligence as 'Time-Wasting' Speculation
MOSCOW, Feb 5 – The Kremlin on Thursday dismissed as baseless speculation Western media reports and remarks from Poland's Prime Minister suggesting the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein may have been connected to Russian intelligence services.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Tuesday that Warsaw would probe potential links between Epstein and Russian intelligence, examining any possible impact on Polish security. The announcement followed a wave of media reports questioning whether Epstein, who moved in elite global circles, acted as an asset gathering compromising material.
"We could joke about such versions, but let's not waste our time," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Reuters when asked about the allegations. Russian officials have repeatedly framed the narrative as a deliberate attempt to deflect attention from what they describe as a scandal exposing hypocrisy among Western power brokers.
The recently unsealed U.S. court documents related to Epstein mention Russia thousands of times. They note that some of the young women Epstein associated with were Russian nationals, including one he attempted to introduce to Britain's Prince Andrew.
Analysts note that the Epstein case has long been fertile ground for intelligence conspiracy theories, with various reports over years also speculating about potential links to Israel's Mossad or U.S. agencies. To date, no major news organization or government has published definitive evidence proving Epstein worked for any intelligence service.
The Polish investigation, while light on public evidence so far, signals heightened vigilance in Eastern Europe regarding Russian influence operations amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Reactions & Analysis
Markus Vogel, Security Analyst at the European Policy Institute: "While the intelligence angle can't be ruled out without a proper investigation, launching a probe based on media speculation is unusual. It likely reflects broader geopolitical tensions and a desire to scrutinize any potential Russian nexus in high-profile scandals."
Anya Petrova, Independent Journalist in Moscow: "The Kremlin's dismissive response is standard. However, the sheer volume of references to Russia in the Epstein files guarantees this theory will persist, regardless of proof. It's become a narrative Rorschach test."
David Chen, Former Diplomatic Staffer: "This is a reckless distraction. Until concrete evidence emerges, these claims only serve to muddy the waters and dilute the focus on the real victims and the systemic failures that allowed Epstein's crimes."
Klara Schmidt, Political Commentator: "Are we serious? Instead of focusing on the powerful men who frequented his island, we're chasing spy ghosts? This reeks of a classic disinformation play—from whichever side—to obscure the central truth: a network of abuse protected by wealth and privilege."