Oregon Sen. Wyden reacts after billionaire Leon Black explains Epstein ties to Congress, says “he was not a tax lawyer or accountant”

Oregon – Sen. Ron Wyden is challenging billionaire Leon Black’s explanation of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, saying investigators found problems with the financial advice Epstein provided and questioning Black’s reliance on Epstein for financial matters.

“Two issues with this,” Wyden said. “First, Black’s own attorneys told my investigators that Epstein’s advice was shoddy at best and often needed double checking.”

“Epstein was not a tax lawyer or accountant,” Wyden added.

The comments came after Black appeared before Congress and denied involvement in Epstein’s sex-trafficking crimes, saying he was deceived by Epstein, whom he hired as a financial adviser. According to prepared remarks reported by The Wall Street Journal, Black said he never participated in Epstein’s crimes and claimed he was misled about Epstein’s actions, WSJ reported.

Black, the co-founder of Apollo Global Management, has faced scrutiny over his financial relationship with Epstein, including millions of dollars paid to Epstein for tax and estate planning services. Black has said the payments were for legitimate advice and that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal conduct.

The House Oversight Committee has been investigating Epstein’s network and relationships with wealthy and influential individuals. During Black’s appearance before the committee, lawmakers questioned him about his ties to Epstein, including issues involving nondisclosure agreements. The committee later issued subpoenas seeking additional information and requiring further testimony.

Wyden, who has led a Senate Finance Committee investigation into Epstein’s financial activities, has previously raised concerns about Epstein’s role as a financial adviser despite not being a licensed tax attorney or accountant. Wyden’s investigation has examined how Epstein obtained wealthy clients and provided financial services despite questions surrounding his qualifications, according to Reuters.

Black has maintained that his relationship with Epstein was limited to financial services and has denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes. In prepared testimony, Black said he did not abuse women, did not pay Epstein for access to women, and did not know about Epstein’s criminal activities before Epstein’s 2019 arrest.

The controversy has continued as lawmakers examine the broader network surrounding Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender before his death in 2019. Congressional investigators have been seeking information from individuals connected to Epstein as part of efforts to understand how his relationships with powerful figures developed.

Wyden’s latest comments focus on the financial side of Epstein’s activities, specifically questioning how Epstein was able to provide high-level financial advice and receive large payments despite concerns about his professional background.

Black has argued that he was another person deceived by Epstein and has rejected claims that his financial relationship with Epstein involved any criminal conduct. The ongoing congressional review continues as lawmakers seek additional documents and testimony related to Epstein’s business dealings and personal connections.