Wyden uses DEA Epstein inquiry as new way to find conspirators
Sen. Ron Wyden is pressing the Drug Enforcement Administration to disclose more information about its years-long inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein after newly released Justice Department files showed Epstein and 14 unnamed individuals where subjects of an OCDETF probe lasting at least five years. Wyden worries the redacted details and lack of charges raise transparency concerns and has asked DEA Administrator Terrance Cole to provide more data about the case, including why no drug-trafficking or money-laundering charges were filed, why names were redacted, when the investigation ended and what it concluded, and what illicit drugs, if any, were involved.
The push comes as the Justice Department released millions more Epstein-related files in January, revealing connections to figures around the world and prompting various high-profile fallout. The developments have led to anticipated depositions before the House Oversight Commitee of Epstein associates, and to discussions about whether former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will testify; both have denied knowledge or involvement in criminal activity. The article also notes broad speculation by Wyden, including claims that the Trump administration may have redacted names to shield drug cartels, and highlights ongoing inquiries into how Epstein may have used the U.S. financial system to move funds linked to trafficking. The DEA did not respond to requests for comment.
Ron Wyden uses 2015 DEA investigation into Epstein as new way of finding conspirators
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) urged the Drug Enforcement Administration to disclose more information related to Jeffrey Epstein after the government released files showing the agency had investigated the financier for years.
The recently released files from the Justice Department indicated Epstein and 14 other unnamed individuals were listed as subjects of a DEA investigation that lasted for at least five years. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s investigation scrutinized concerns that the suspects were orchestrating drug and prostitution networks involving “illegitimate wire transfers.” Key details are redacted in the files, and it appears charges were never brought against Epstein, leading Wyden to express concern about transparency and demand the DEA release more data to the public regarding the case, including the redacted names of individuals who appeared to collaborate with Epstein.
“The fact that Epstein was under investigation by the DOJ’s OCDETF task force suggests that there was ample evidence indicating that Epstein was engaged in heavy drug trafficking and prostitution as part of cross-border criminal conspiracy,” Wyden, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, wrote in a letter to DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, first published by CBS News. “This is incredibly disturbing and raises serious questions as to how this investigation by the DEA was handled.”
In a post to Bluesky, Wyden suggested the names were redacted by the Trump administration to help cover up drug cartels.
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“The document described here is a big development that expands our understanding of Epstein’s criminal activities, but remains too redacted. We know the Trump administration is covering up for Epstein’s pedophile buddies. This is evidence they’re covering up for drug cartels too,” the senator said.
Wyden’s push comes as the lawmaker said he is seeking to unravel how Epstein was able to finance his activities. He is asking Cole to answer a series of questions, including why no federal drug trafficking or money laundering charges were ever filed against Epstein or the other 14 unnamed individuals named in the DEA’s investigation, why their names were redacted, when the investigation ended, what it concluded, and what types of illicit drugs they allegedly were buying or selling.
“I am examining the extent to which Epstein was able to utilize the U.S. financial system to make thousands of suspicious wire transfers and cash withdrawals for the apparent purpose of trafficking women and girls,” Wyden wrote.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the DEA for comment on Wyden’s demands, but did not receive a response.
The document described here is a big development that expands our understanding of Epstein’s criminal activities, but remains too redacted. We know the Trump administration is covering up for Epstein’s pedophile buddies. This is evidence they’re covering up for drug cartels too.
— Senator Ron Wyden (@wyden.senate.gov) February 24, 2026 at 3:58 PM
The development comes after the Justice Department released millions more files on the Epstein case in late January. The move had a cascading effect as further details about Epstein’s connections to figures worldwide were revealed, with fallout leading from Great Britain’s arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to renowned talent mogul Casey Wasserman moving to sell his agency, former Harvard President Larry Summers resigning from leadership positions at the Ivy League university, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates issuing an apology to staff.
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Two of Epstein’s longtime associates are set to be deposed before the House oversight committee in March, when his former accountant and lawyer could reveal more details about the deceased financier’s past and financial activity.
Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who were friends with Epstein for years, are also set to be deposed before the committee on Friday. The pair has denied any knowledge or involvement in criminal activity.
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