In this photo illustration, printouts of the Epstein files released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) are shown on February 13, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. UN experts said the allegations in the files required an independent, thorough and impartial investigation and also called for an inquiry into how such crimes were possible for so long. | Photo credit: Getty Images via AFP
According to a group of independent experts commissioned by the United Nations Human Rights Council, millions of files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein point to the existence of a “global criminal enterprise” operating under the criminal law of crimes against humanity.
Experts said the crimes described in the documents released by the US Justice Department took place in a context of hegemonic beliefs, racism, corruption and rampant misogyny.
The crimes, they said, showed the objectification and dehumanization of women and girls.
“The scale, nature, systematic nature and international reach of these atrocities against women and girls are so serious that many of them could reasonably meet the legal threshold of crimes against humanity,” the experts said in a statement.
Experts said the allegations in the files required an independent, thorough and impartial investigation and also said that an inquiry should be launched into how such crimes were possible for so long.
The US Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The legislation, passed by Congress in November with broad bipartisan support, would require all Epstein-related files to be made public.
UN experts expressed concern about “serious compliance failures and botched redactions” that could expose sensitive victim information. More than 1,200 victims have been identified in the documents released so far.
“The reluctance to fully disclose information or broaden investigations has left many survivors feeling trapped and subject to what they describe as ‘institutional gaslighting,'” experts said.
Documents released by the Justice Department reveal Epstein’s ties to many prominent figures in politics, finance, academia and business — including after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to prostitution and solicitation of an underage girl.
He was found hanged in his jail cell in 2019 after being rearrested on federal charges of sex trafficking of minors. His death was ruled a suicide.
Published – February 18, 2026 10:47 am IST
