Allegations spur investigation by Ankara prosecutors into possible links to Jeffrey Epstein scandal
A number of foreign media reports claim that Turkey allegedly trafficked thousands of underage children to Jeffrey Epstein’s island in exchange for large sums of money. These claims have prompted a formal legal response in Turkey as officials begin inquiries into whether Turkish minors were involved in the broader Epstein case.
Allegations of Child Trafficking to Epstein’s Island
According to reports, thousands of Turkish children — many from low-income backgrounds or areas affected by natural disasters — were sold and flown out on private planes to the notorious Epstein island for exploitation.
Media outlets circulated claims that up to $200 million was paid in the process, and that many of the children were recorded with notes stating that “they did not speak English.”
Note: Independent international reporting confirms that new documents related to the Epstein files reference minors from Turkey among other countries, but do not independently verify the specific claim of state-level sale of children for money.
Ankara Prosecutors Open Investigation
In response to the allegations, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into potential connections between Turkey and Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network. This move comes as the Epstein scandal remains a global news topic.
Prosecutors say the goal is to identify Turkish children who may have been transported and to begin legal proceedings against any suspects once the facts are established.
Focus of Legal Inquiry
Turkish authorities are reportedly focusing on the original sources of the current claims in Epstein-related documents, which include allegations of international trafficking and sexual abuse.
Digital files supposedly linked to alleged victims in Turkey have been added to the evidence to help identify what happened and determine the legal steps forward.
The prosecutor’s office states that it is carefully managing the process of beginning public prosecution based on the evidence at hand.
Epstein Case Worldwide
Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier who faced extensive federal charges for running a network that involved trafficking and sexual abuse of minors. He died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.
In late 2025 and early 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice released portions of his case files, which have ignited renewed global attention and a surge of reporting on alleged connections in various countries.