South Africa link in Epstein files raises fresh questions about grooming networks

Newly searchable emails and documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are casting renewed attention on his historical connections to South Africa, particularly Cape Town’s modelling industry.

Digital archives containing millions of documents have made it easier to search names, places and keywords, revealing references to South African business figures and agencies dating back to the 1980s.

While there is no evidence that the local individuals mentioned in the documents were involved in criminal activity, the documents suggest that Epstein actively cultivated relationships with elites across industries as part of his broader networking strategy.

Cape Town ‘hub’ claims raise concern

The documents point to links between Epstein and Cape Town-based modelling agencies, with allegations that scouts identified young women under the promise of international modelling careers.

One South African survivor, Juliette Bryant, has previously spoken publicly about being scouted in Greenmarket Square, meeting Epstein locally and later being taken abroad.

Chantell Brecht from A21 Campaign said the revelations are deeply concerning from an anti-trafficking perspective.

“It basically highlights how international exploitation networks don’t just operate in distant, shadowy places, but they embed themselves in respected local industries like modelling, tourism and entertainment, often hiding in plain sight,” she said.

Brecht added that many victims are recruited through false promises of employment.

“In the past two years, 50% of our victims who were exploited were recruited through false job opportunities,” she said.

Duty of care and due diligence

Questions have also been raised about the responsibility of agencies and recruiters to vet international partners and opportunities properly.

Brecht said recruiters and influencers must exercise due diligence.

“If the offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is,” she said.

She urged job seekers to verify opportunities before accepting them, noting that A21 operates a free job-vetting hotline service to help applicants check the legitimacy of offers.

Education around trafficking red flags, she said, remains critical in preventing exploitation.

What role for authorities?

The discussion also turned to whether South African authorities, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, should examine any potential local links.

Brecht cautioned that law enforcement bodies can only act where credible evidence exists.

“The Hawks need to investigate where the evidence leads,” she said. “Survivor testimonies, reports from families and community members are so important because they can use that evidence to start investigating.”

Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial in the United States.

However, the resurfacing of historical communications continues to fuel global scrutiny of the networks that enabled his crimes and raises fresh questions about accountability and vigilance in industries vulnerable to exploitation.

For more detailed information, listen to Brecht using the audio player below: