Jeffrey Epstein Discussed Acquiring Brazilian Modeling Agencies for 'Access to Girls'

Brazil - Ekhbary News Agency

Jeffrey Epstein Discussed Acquiring Brazilian Modeling Agencies for 'Access to Girls'

A newly released batch of emails, unsealed by the U.S. Department of Justice, has shed light on discussions held by the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein regarding the potential acquisition of Brazilian modeling agencies back in 2016. Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while facing charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy, reportedly explored deals involving prominent agencies, including Ford Models Brazil. The leaked correspondence suggests a transactional interest that extended beyond mere business, with implications of seeking access to young women.

The emails, dated October 2016, detail conversations between Epstein and an associate identified as Ramsey Elkholy. Elkholy, described in a 2023 Wall Street Journal investigation as a musician and anthropologist who allegedly introduced women to Epstein, provided Epstein with information on Brazilian modeling agencies. This included not only Ford Models but also others like L'Équipe and Elite, alongside what appeared to be details about a contest for new models.

In one particularly revealing exchange, Elkholy framed a potential deal as a "good investment" if the goal was to build on an established brand. However, he candidly added, "with plenty of opportunities to meet models." He contrasted this with a "direct access" scenario potentially offered by a modeling contest, where, according to Elkholy, "most of the girls are country bumpkins with no experience as models." This phrasing underscores a troubling undertone to Epstein's reported business interests.

The initial reporting on these emails was conducted by the Brazilian newspaper O Globo. In response to inquiries from Folha de S.Paulo, Decio Restelli Ribeiro, the owner of Ford Models Brazil, vehemently denied any knowledge of such discussions or any intention to sell his business. Ribeiro, who has operated the Ford Models license in Brazil since 1995 and purchased the operation outright in 2020, stated that the agency was never on the market and that he had no contact with Epstein or any intermediaries. "My company is not for sale, I never wanted to sell Ford. I was shocked," Ribeiro told Folha. "I never met, spoke with, or had contact with this Jeffrey Epstein. I only found out who this guy was when he died."

While Elkholy did not name Ribeiro directly in the emails, he indicated communication with the owner. Elkholy described Ford Models Brazil as being "managed by just one guy, who has never had investors." He relayed that the owner "expressed to me that he would be open to having some support to achieve the agency's objectives — which is to become the IMG [a major global agency] of Brazil." Elkholy further noted that the owner "didn't want to give me a number without a confidentiality agreement, but I think for US$1 million you can get a considerable piece."

When questioned by reporters about the alleged confidentiality agreement, Ribeiro reiterated his denial, stating he never signed such a contract and had no intention of selling any part of Ford Models Brazil. The emails suggest Elkholy was exploring Epstein's specific interest, questioning whether Epstein sought full ownership and noting, "I'm assuming you're more interested in access to [a woman emoji]." Elkholy offered to meet with Epstein again to "pressure him for a number," indicating a willingness to facilitate the transaction.

Epstein's direct involvement in the email chain appears limited to authorizing the confidentiality agreement. On October 2, 2016, a Sunday, Epstein wrote: "You can sign the NDA and get the Ford numbers. I'll be around New York on Wednesday if you have time."

In a formal statement, Ford Models Brazil reiterated its position, emphasizing that the information in the emails was inaccurate and that the company was never for sale, nor was it involved in any negotiations with Epstein or his associates. "Ford Models Brazil reinforces that the information mentioned in the email does not align with reality and that the company has never been for sale, nor has it participated in or been the subject of any negotiation or discussion involving the aforementioned businessman and/or intermediaries," the statement read.

The broader implications of the Epstein case continue to unfold, with thousands of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice providing insights into his network and activities. Searches within this database for terms like "Brazil" yielded nearly 3,900 files, encompassing emails, financial reports, photos, and judicial documents, many containing sensitive redacted information. The documents have implicated various political figures, businesspeople, and celebrities, including mentions of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and former President Jair Bolsonaro.

The Epstein case has also drawn renewed attention to past allegations involving public figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is mentioned hundreds of times in the documents. Files released in late January detailed accusations of sexual abuse against a minor involving Trump decades ago. While the specifics of the alleged abuse and its timing remain unclear in the released documents, the revelations have added to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Epstein scandal.

Ekhbary News Agency