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Exclusive: DW investigation into Epstein Library

A new DW investigation found that victim-identifying information remains publicly accessible in the Department of Justice's Epstein Library – months after the Department said it had strengthened its redaction procedures.

DW 2026 | Investigativrecherche Epstein-Akten | US-Justizministerium
Image: Dmytro Katkov/DW

The investigation examined the publication and subsequent handling of records released through the DOJ's Epstein Library, a public archive established under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. By collecting and comparing multiple versions of the archive over time, DW observed approximately 500,000 fewer files in our February collection of the Epstein Library than were present in an earlier archived version of the release. The investigation also identified dozens of documents containing victim-identifying information that remained publicly accessible months after the Department said it had revised and strengthened its redaction procedures. 

Prior to publication, DW provided the US Department of Justice with examples, including document references and links to records that remained publicly accessible. The Department did not respond before publication, and the documents remained online at the time of publication. 

The investigation compared multiple versions of the archive, digitally verified changes over time and examined the Department's redaction and victim-protection measures. The findings raise broader questions about transparency, record management and the effectiveness of measures intended to protect victims' privacy. 

"It's not done yet. There is still so much to report on the Epstein case and its files. We're happy that we were able to add a piece to the bigger puzzle," says Julia Bayer, who co-led the investigation. 

"Public records can change after they are released. Our reporting shows why it is important to preserve and scrutinize those records over time, particularly when transparency, accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals are at stake," says Lewis Sanders, who co-led the investigation. 

DW Editor-in-Chief Mathias Stamm: "The work of our investigative team highlights once again why a free press is so important. Governments have a duty to protect personal data, especially where victims are concerned. It’s a journalist’s role to inform the public when governments fall short. Our Epstein investigation is an excellent example of this watchdog role."

Watch the investigation team take you behind the scenes on YouTube:

Learn more about DW Investigations here.