U.S. Secretary of Commerce (2025-present) and former Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. Documents show Lutnick and Epstein were in business together through a company called Adfin as late as 2012-2014, years after Epstein's 2008 conviction. In 1996, Epstein sold a property at 11 East 71st Street that became Lutnick's primary residence next door to Epstein's mansion. Lutnick interacted 'regularly' with Epstein per DOJ files, with correspondence through intermediaries in 2011-2012. A December 2012 email discussed a planned visit to Epstein's island.
Lutnick previously stated he vowed to 'never be in a room with that disgusting person ever again' after a 2005 meeting. Congressional lawmakers have called for his resignation from the Commerce Secretary post. CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY: On March 3, 2026, Lutnick volunteered to testify before the House Oversight Committee about his Epstein ties after weeks of mounting pressure. In February 2026, he admitted visiting Little Saint James island with his family in 2012, contradicting prior public claims that he cut ties with Epstein in 2005. DOJ files show communication continued well after 2005.
A photograph emerged showing Lutnick on Epstein's island.
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Howard Lutnick is mentioned in documents or reporting related to the Epstein case. Being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, criminal conduct, or inappropriate behavior.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
Howard Wayne Lutnick is an American businessman who served as Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, a global financial services firm. He was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce, with confirmation hearings noted in FBI news briefings from January 2025. Documents show Lutnick resided at 11 East 71st Street, New York, NY 10021-4102, alongside family members Allison L. Lutnick, Brandon G. Lutnick, and Kyle S. Lutnick. The 11 East 71st Street address is immediately adjacent to Jeffrey Epstein's mansion at 9 East 71st Street in Manhattan.
Lutnick's name appears in multiple FBI investigative files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, including the child sex trafficking investigation (50D-NY-3027571) opened December 8, 2018. Due diligence research was conducted in connection with the Epstein investigation, with records confirming Lutnick's residential address and associated persons. He was also honored at a charity event at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York alongside Mark Teixeira, indicating his prominence in New York philanthropic and business circles.
Epstein Connection
Documentary evidence shows Howard Lutnick maintained direct and ongoing communication with Jeffrey Epstein through at least 2011-2012, years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex offenses. Emails show Lutnick's calls were returned by Epstein's office, Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff communicated directly with Lutnick on Epstein's behalf, and Lutnick personally emailed Epstein planning a December 2012 visit to Epstein's private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Internal Epstein communications refer to scheduling lunch for Lutnick on 'JE's island.' Lutnick purchased and resided at 11 East 71st Street, immediately next door to Epstein's Manhattan mansion. Lutnick appears on FBI investigative lists alongside other prominent individuals connected to the Epstein case.
Key Allegations(7)
Lutnick communicated directly with Jeffrey Epstein in 2011-2012, well after Epstein's 2008 conviction, including phone calls and emails facilitated by Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff.
documentedLutnick planned a visit to Epstein's private island in December 2012, emailing Epstein directly about landing in St. Thomas and heading over.
documentedInternal Epstein staff communications discussed scheduling lunch for Lutnick on 'JE's island' on Saturday or Sunday in December 2012.
documentedSimon Andriesz reported that Lutnick made his money through Ponzi schemes and money laundering.
allegedLutnick appeared on an FBI investigative list of persons associated with Epstein alongside Glen Dubin, Jes Staley, Leon Black, Les Wexner, Alan Dershowitz, Bill Clinton, and Tony Blair, with a notation 'ponzi scheme' next to his name.
documentedJeffrey Epstein's staff sent communications and attachments to Lutnick on Epstein's behalf, with Lutnick's Cantor Fitzgerald colleague Matthew Gilbert responding with thanks and new year greetings.
documentedLutnick resided at 11 East 71st Street, New York, immediately adjacent to Epstein's mansion at 9 East 71st Street.
documentedLegal Status
Lutnick is not charged or convicted of any crime related to the Epstein case. He appears in FBI investigative files related to the Epstein child sex trafficking investigation (50D-NY-3027571) and is listed alongside other prominent individuals in FBI case documents. Due diligence research was conducted on Epstein with records linking to Lutnick's address.
Notable Statements(3)
“Hi Jeff, We are landing in St. Thomas early Saturday afternoon and planning to head over”
“Thanks, happy new year!”
“Excellent. I will let Jeffrey know. Will it be just”
Contradictions(1)
Lutnick has publicly stated he vowed to 'never be in a room with that disgusting person ever again' after a 2005 meeting with Epstein.
Multiple emails from 2011-2012 show ongoing, cordial communication between Lutnick and Epstein, including Lutnick personally emailing Epstein ('Hi Jeff') to plan a visit to Epstein's private island in December 2012, and Epstein's staff scheduling lunch for Lutnick on 'JE's island.' Phone call records from 2011 also show Lutnick returning Epstein's calls.
Key Relationships(8)
Extensive documented email correspondence in 2011-2012. Lutnick personally emailed Epstein to arrange a visit to his island in December 2012. Phone calls exchanged in 2011. Epstein's staff communicated with Lutnick on Epstein's behalf. Lutnick resided next door to Epstein's Manhattan mansion.
Lesley Groff, Epstein's executive assistant, communicated directly with Lutnick on Epstein's behalf, sending emails with subject line 'Jeffrey Epstein' and facilitating messages between the two.
Both Lutnick and Bill Clinton appear in the same FBI investigative lists of persons associated with Epstein.
Both Lutnick and Leon Black appear on the same FBI investigative lists of persons associated with Epstein.
Both Lutnick and Jes Staley appear on the same FBI investigative lists of persons associated with Epstein.
Both Lutnick and Les Wexner appear on the same FBI investigative lists of persons associated with Epstein.
Both Lutnick and Alan Dershowitz appear on the same FBI investigative lists of persons associated with Epstein.
Both Lutnick and Tony Blair appear on the same FBI investigative list of persons associated with Epstein.
Timeline(12 events)
Epstein's staff emailed Jeffrey Epstein reporting that Howard Lutnick was on an airplane headed overseas and his office wanted to relay a message.
Message sent to Jeffrey Epstein stating 'Howard Lutnick returned your call' with a phone number (212 829 4926).
Phone-related communication sent to Jeffrey Epstein.
Lesley Groff, Epstein's assistant, emailed Lutnick with subject 'Jeffrey Epstein,' stating 'Hello Mr. Lutnick. Jeffrey Epstein understands...' with copies to Candace Austin, Matthew Gilbert, Daphne Wallace, and Ann Rodriquez.
Lutnick emailed Epstein directly: 'Hi Jeff, We are landing in St. Thomas early Saturday afternoon and planning to head over' referencing 'behind christmans cove.'
Internal Epstein staff alert: 'can Howard Lutnick do lunch Sat or Sun on JE's island?'
Email reply in chain regarding Sunday plans: 'Excellent. I will let Jeffrey know. Will it be just...' with Allison Lutnick copied.
Email sent with subject 'Howard Lutnick info' forwarding earlier correspondence.
Internal staff alert: 'can Howard Lutnick do lunch on Sat. 22nd or Sun. 23rd?'
Email to Lutnick: 'Good morning Howard. Jeffrey wished me to pass along the below...' with subject 'Jeffrey Epstein.'
FBI Daily News Briefing noted hearing to examine the nomination of Howard Lutnick of New York to be Secretary of Commerce.
FBI Daily News Briefing referenced Lutnick as President Trump's pick to lead the Commerce Department.
At a Glance
Click values for sourcesKnown Connections (1)
External Cross-Check
Search ICIJ Offshore Leaks, OFAC Sanctions, SEC EDGAR, and Federal Courts
Offshore Connections (3)
Cross-referenced against the ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database (814K+ entities from Panama Papers, Paradise Papers, Pandora Papers, and Bahamas Leaks). Matches are based on name similarity and do not imply wrongdoing.
HOWARD LUTNICK
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Document Mentions
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