House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has requested that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent provide Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) on Jeffrey Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, by Sept. 15. The letter, sent on Sunday, outlined the committee’s intent to review the possible mismanagement of the government’s investigation into Epstein and Maxwell, including the handling of Epstein’s death. The committee, according to the letter, is seeking these SARs to assist in its oversight of the enforcement of sex trafficking laws, particularly in relation to the Epstein case.
The request comes amid ongoing legal developments related to the Epstein case. On Saturday, Fox News Digital reported that the Epstein estate had been hit with a new house subpoena, seeking client lists and call logs. Comer’s committee has been aggressive in its pursuit of information, having previously established a task force focused on the declassification of federal secrets, which led to the Department of Justice releasing certain Epstein-related records in recent weeks. This ongoing scrutiny reflects the committee’s broader interest in how federal agencies have handled the investigation, and the potential for mismanagement or cover-up in the process.
Comer’s oversight efforts have also extended to other high-profile figures. A series of deposition subpoenas have been issued to several former government officials, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. These subpoenas, however, have faced some setbacks. Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, whose testimony was initially scheduled to be delivered to the committee, has been canceled due to health concerns. A source familiar with the investigation revealed that lawmakers learned of Mueller’s health issues and decided to withdraw the subpoena. This marks the second instance of a subpoena being withdrawn, following the case of former Attorney General Bill Barr, who had testified before the committee last month.
The situation highlights the ongoing nature of the investigation and the challenges in securing testimony from high-profile witnesses. While the committee continues to push for transparency, the complexities surrounding the Epstein case continue to unfold. The release of the SARs is expected to provide further insight into the role of financial institutions in the case, especially given that the Treasury Department handles and oversees much of the financial activity in such investigations.