What Happens Next: Pending Investigations & Open Questions

The State of Play in 2026

The Epstein case is far from over. Despite Epstein's death in 2019 and Maxwell's conviction in 2021, the release of 3.5 million pages from the DOJ Epstein Library has opened new investigative paths. Here is where things stand.

Active Criminal Proceedings

Prince Andrew (UK)

According to media reporting:

• Arrested February 19, 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office
• The charges stem from allegations he shared confidential government information with Epstein while serving as UK trade envoy
• Released after 12 hours of questioning
• Investigation by the Metropolitan Police is ongoing
• If charged and convicted, could face a substantial prison sentence

European Investigations

Multiple countries have opened investigations following the DOJ file release:

• Norway: Former PM Thorbjorn Jagland charged
• France: Investigation opened into Epstein-connected activities
• Turkey: Investigation launched
• Lithuania: Investigation launched
• Additional proceedings may follow as the files continue to be analyzed

Pending Civil Litigation

Bank of America Lawsuit

A civil complaint filed in October 2025 alleges BofA maintained a banking relationship with Epstein despite red flags. The case follows:

• JPMorgan's $365 million settlement
• Deutsche Bank's $225 million in penalties
• If resolved similarly, could add hundreds of millions more in accountability

NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Act

The lookback window that opened March 1, 2026 temporarily suspends statutes of limitations for civil claims:

• Allows victims previously time-barred to file civil suits
• Could produce new lawsuits against individuals and institutions
• The window is time-limited, creating urgency for potential claimants

Congressional Activity

Ongoing Hearings

Congressional committees continue to investigate, according to media reporting:

• The "politically exposed persons" list transmitted to Congress has not been publicly released
• Additional depositions and hearings are expected
• The Transparency Act mandates continued DOJ document releases on a phased schedule

Potential Legislative Action

The fallout from the Transparency Act may produce additional legislation:

• Enhanced financial reporting requirements for convicted sex offenders
• Reforms to the Non-Prosecution Agreement process
• Expanded victim notification requirements

The DOJ Library's Ongoing Impact

Only approximately half of the identified responsive pages have been released. The remaining documents:

• Are either withheld under the Act's narrow redaction standards or pending review
• Could contain additional evidence supporting new prosecutions
• May reveal additional connections not yet publicly known
• Journalists and researchers continue analyzing the released materials

What Remains Unknown

The Biggest Unanswered Questions

1. Will anyone else be prosecuted in the U.S.? — AG Bondi confirmed "active investigations" but has not disclosed targets
2. What is on the "politically exposed persons" list? — The classified list has not been publicly disclosed
3. How did Epstein accumulate his wealth? — Beyond Wexner's $1B+, the full source remains unexplained
4. Who else knew? — The full scope of knowledge about Epstein's crimes among his associates is unknown
5. What do the unreleased files contain? — Approximately 2.5 million responsive pages remain withheld

What May Never Be Known

• The full truth about Epstein's death and the circumstances at MCC
• Whether intelligence agencies had relationships with Epstein
• The complete scope of Epstein's criminal network across multiple countries
• How many total victims there were

Primary Sources

1. Associated Press, case status — apnews.com
2. Reuters, legal proceedings — reuters.com
3. New York Times, case developments — nytimes.com
4. DOJ Epstein Library — justice.gov/epstein

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Read the Transparency Act explainer or the prosecutors analysis. Explore the case timeline or browse the document library.