Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, has called for a federal investigation into JPMorgan Chase’s handling of more than $1 billion in suspicious transactions potentially tied to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The senator’s demand for a probe follows the 2019 conviction of Epstein’s former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, for conspiracy to sex traffick minors, which has intensified scrutiny over the bank’s compliance procedures and its role in the scandal.
Wyden’s office released a statement emphasizing that the bank’s handling of these transactions raises serious concerns about its internal controls and regulatory oversight. The senator argued that JPMorgan Chase’s failure to properly report these transactions could have significant implications for financial transparency and accountability. This comes as the bank faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action over its involvement in the Epstein case.
The investigation is expected to examine whether JPMorgan Chase violated any banking regulations or failed to report suspicious activities related to Epstein’s financial dealings. Wyden has urged the Department of Justice to take the lead in the probe, citing the gravity of the matter and the potential impact on public trust in the financial system. This development adds to growing pressure on the bank to provide a full accounting of its role in the Epstein case and to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.