Igor Zinoviev
Russian MMA fighter (UFC veteran); Epstein bodyguard who was present during victim visits
Russian-born mixed martial arts fighter (UFC veteran, fought at UFC 16 in 1998) who served as Jeffrey Epstein's personal bodyguard and maintenance manager at multiple properties from the early 2000s. Listed in Epstein's black book with 2 phone numbers. In a 2009 deposition, victim Haley Robson described Zinoviev as present at Epstein's Palm Beach estate during her visits, stating he was 'always around.' Multiple victims identified Zinoviev as part of the household staff who witnessed the flow of young women to and from the property but did not intervene. Juan Alessi, the former house manager, testified that Zinoviev handled security and was aware of Epstein's activities.
Zinoviev was never charged with any crime in connection with the Epstein case. After his MMA career (professional record 3-2), he transitioned to working as private security for Epstein and later for other clients.
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Igor Zinoviev appears in records associated with Jeffrey Epstein, including flight logs, contact lists, or legal documents. Appearance in these records does not imply any wrongdoing or criminal conduct. Many individuals had legitimate professional or social interactions.
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
Igor Valentine Zinoviev is a Russian-born mixed martial arts fighter who competed professionally, including in the UFC. Promotional materials describe him as the 'EXTREME FIGHTING MIDDLE WEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD' and advertise personal training services [efta-01653453]. He held a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in New York with an expiration date of February 6, 2012 [efta-01653448]. A July 13, 2003 NYPD aided report lists Zinoviev as a victim, noting he 'was struck by female in the back causing swelling and bruising' [efta-01653447].
Zinoviev transitioned from his fighting career into working as Jeffrey Epstein's personal driver, bodyguard, and logistics operative at Epstein's Palm Beach property and elsewhere. Internal emails from 2009 through 2012 show him regularly receiving instructions to pick up Epstein at airports, coordinate travel logistics, and manage property operations alongside fellow staff member Janusz Banasiak [efta-02171800, efta-02297610, efta-02298958, efta-02301867]. He was listed in Epstein's black book contact directory with two phone numbers [d-066]. A comprehensive background report was generated on Zinoviev on July 12, 2019 -- six days after Epstein's arrest -- which noted one possible criminal record and no possible employers on file [efta-01653435, efta-01653433].
Epstein Connection
Igor Zinoviev served as Jeffrey Epstein's personal driver and bodyguard/security operative. He is documented in Epstein's black book with two phone numbers [d-066]. Numerous internal emails from Epstein's staff show Zinoviev receiving regular instructions to pick up Epstein at airports (typically Galaxy Aviation at Palm Beach International), drive him in the Mercedes, and coordinate travel logistics from at least December 2009 through mid-2012 [efta-02171800, efta-02320622, efta-02297610, efta-02298958, efta-02301867, efta-02306804, efta-02307369, efta-02320196, efta-02321647, efta-02322419, efta-02323436]. He was described as Epstein's 'driver' in a legal filing documenting an encounter at a deposition where 'Mr. Epstein and his driver, Igor Zinoviev exited in separate elevator at the same time' [efta-efta01625438]. His name was raised in depositions connected to the Jane Doe v. Epstein case (Case No. 08-CV-80893), where deponents were asked whether they knew him [efta-efta00159250, efta-efta00182418, dc-6391672].
Key Allegations(5)
Zinoviev served as Jeffrey Epstein's personal driver and was present during Epstein's legal proceedings, described in documents as 'his driver'
documentedZinoviev regularly coordinated airport pickups and travel logistics for Epstein at Palm Beach properties from at least 2009 through 2012
documentedZinoviev's name was raised in depositions in the Jane Doe v. Epstein case, with one deponent refusing to answer questions about knowing him and another confirming knowledge of him
documentedA comprehensive background check was run on Zinoviev on July 12, 2019, six days after Epstein's arrest, which found one possible criminal record
documentedZinoviev was listed in Epstein's black book contact directory with two phone numbers
documentedLegal Status
Zinoviev was never charged with any crime in connection with the Epstein case. He is named extensively in internal Epstein organization emails and in deposition transcripts from the Jane Doe v. Epstein litigation (Case No. 08-CV-80893). A background check run on July 12, 2019, identified one possible criminal record through New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, though the nature of the record is not detailed in the available evidence [efta-01653435, efta-01653450].
Notable Statements(7)
“Do you know Igor Zinoviev? A. I refuse to answer.”
“Do you know Igor Zinoviev? A. Yes.”
“Jeffrey would like both you to come to the airport today to pick him up. Igor in the Mercedes and Janusz with su...”
“JE will not be coming to PB today. Igor, he says sorry.”
“JE wanted me to let you know he won't have you travel anywhere at least until Thursday”
“Mr. Epstein and his driver, Igor Zinoviev exited in separate elevator at the same time and turned to depart from through the front entrance”
“”
Key Relationships(4)
Zinoviev served as Epstein's personal driver and security operative. Numerous emails document Zinoviev receiving instructions to pick up Epstein at airports, drive him in the Mercedes, and coordinate travel logistics [efta-02171800, efta-02297610, efta-02298958, efta-02320196, efta-efta01625438].
Janusz Banasiak was a fellow Epstein staff member who regularly received travel coordination emails alongside Zinoviev. Both were directed to meet Epstein at airports and handle logistics at the Palm Beach property [efta-02171800, efta-02297610, efta-02298958, efta-02321647, efta-02322419, efta-02323398].
Lesley Groff, Epstein's executive assistant, appears in 15 shared documents and was copied on multiple logistics emails sent to Zinoviev [efta-02307369, efta-02301867].
Ghislaine Maxwell appears in 10 shared documents with Zinoviev, reflecting their co-presence in the Epstein organization's records and legal proceedings.
Timeline(21 events)
Won World Extreme Fighting middleweight championship, defeating Mario Sperry.
Career-ending injury at UFC 16 against Frank Shamrock (22-second KO, broken collarbone and fractured C-5 vertebra). This injury led to his transition from professional fighting to security and bodyguard work.
NYPD aided report: Zinoviev listed as victim, 'struck by female in the back causing swelling and bruising' at 2:45 AM
Epstein's black book, which contained Zinoviev's contact information with 2 phone numbers, was taken from Epstein's Palm Beach residence by former house manager Alfredo Rodriguez
Email to Zinoviev and Janusz coordinating arrival of Seth Lloyd at Palm Beach International airport
Deposition in Jane Doe v. Epstein (08-CV-80893): deponent asked about Zinoviev and refused to answer
Email to Zinoviev: 'JE wanted me to let you know he won't have you travel anywhere at least until Thursday'
Email directing Zinoviev and Banasiak: 'JE would like you both at the airport when he arrives'
Email to Banasiak and Zinoviev: 'JE wanted me to pass on the message that there is little excuse'
Email to Banasiak with Zinoviev copied: 'JE just said he is planning on coming to PB late tomorrow night'
Email confirming landing in Palm Beach at 11:30pm
Email to Banasiak and Zinoviev: 'He will be landing today at 12:45pm at Galaxy. He is coming alone'
Email to Banasiak and Zinoviev: 'JE will not be coming to PB today. Igor, he says sorry.'
Email to Banasiak with Zinoviev copied: 'JE said he will just be coming to PB for the day tomorrow'
Email to Banasiak and Zinoviev: 'JE will be landing tomorrow morning at Galaxy Aviation at 11:30AM'
Email to Zinoviev with Banasiak copied: 'JE will be flying into Miami on Friday March...'
Email directing Zinoviev and Banasiak: 'Jeffrey would like both you to come to the airport today to pick him up. Igor in the Mercedes'
Email to Zinoviev: notification that Epstein will be coming to Palm Beach
Email to Zinoviev giving a 'heads up' and mentioning coordination with someone named Story
Email to Zinoviev with Lesley Croft copied: 'JE is due to land on Thursday at 7pm'
Comprehensive background report generated on 'IGOR VALENTINE ZINOVIEV' including NYPD records, Florida driver's license check, and NY criminal justice services inquiry -- six days after Epstein's July 6 arrest
At a Glance
Click values for sourcesSources
4 sources for flight appearances
Epstein Flight Logs (23 entries)
2001-2010
“Appeared on 23 documented flights between Teterboro Airport, NJ and TIST Airport”
Sources
6 sources for document mentions
Larry Visoski Deposition (Giuffre v. Maxwell)
2016-04-07
“Deposition of Larry Visoski, Epstein's personal pilot from 1991 onward. Visoski discussed his duties”
Larry Visoski Trial Testimony (Maxwell Trial, Nov 30 2021)
2021-11-30
“As the prosecution's first witness at the Maxwell trial, pilot Larry Visoski testified about his 30 ”
David Rodgers Personal Flight Log (1991-2019)
2021-11-30
“Personal flight log maintained by pilot David Rodgers documenting over 1,000 flights aboard Epstein'”
Epstein Black Book (Contact Directory) - Government Exhibit
2009-10-15
“A 97-page book of names, phone numbers, emails, and addresses taken from Epstein's Palm Beach reside”
Epstein Scientific Philanthropy Records (Edge Foundation, Harvard, MIT)
2025-11-13
“Records documenting Epstein's involvement with scientific and academic institutions including the Ed”
Sources
2 sources for known connections
Shared Flight Appearances
“Appears on flights with 48 other persons in the Epstein network”
Co-Document Mentions
“Named alongside other network members in 24 documents”
Sources
1 source for black book status
Epstein's Black Book
“Listed with 2 phone numbers in the contact directory seized by authorities”
Activity Timeline
Network Graph
Known Connections (48)
External Cross-Check
Search ICIJ Offshore Leaks, OFAC Sanctions, SEC EDGAR, and Federal Courts
Offshore Connections (1)
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.
IGOR
Flight Log Appearances (23)
| Date | Route | Aircraft | Co-Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 24, 2010 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → TIST Airport | N909JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Darren Indyke, Doug Shoettle +2 |
| Jun 29, 2008 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → RYY Airport | N909JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Darren Indyke, Pilots: Lv +1 |
| Jan 31, 2007 | EWR Airport → TIST Airport | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew Fargus, Jr +1 |
| Jan 16, 2007 | TIST Airport → Laurence G. Hanscom Field, Bedford, MA | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Lana Catterton, Nadia Marcinkova +3 |
| Jan 12, 2007 | EWR Airport → TIST Airport | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Walter Cronkite, Nadia Marcinkova +4 |
| Jan 7, 2007 | TIST Airport → EWR Airport | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Nadia Marcinkova +6 |
| Nov 25, 2006 | Albuquerque International Sunport, NM → TIST Airport | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Nadia Marcinkova, Sarah Kellen +2 |
| Nov 21, 2006 | EWR Airport → Albuquerque International Sunport, NM | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Jennifer Kalin, Nadia Marcinkova +5 |
| Nov 20, 2006 | TIST Airport → EWR Airport | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Jennifer Kalin, Lance Calloway +4 |
| Sep 22, 2006 | Miami International, FL → TIST Airport | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Dana Burns, Tatyana Simanava +1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 | EWR Airport → Miami International, FL | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Dana Burns, Tatyana Simanava +1 |
| Jul 4, 2006 | TIST Airport → John F. Kennedy International, NY | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Lana Catterton, Nadia Marcinkova |
| Jun 24, 2006 | Albuquerque International Sunport, NM → John F. Kennedy International, NY | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Lana Catterton, Sarah Kellen +1 |
| Jun 7, 2006 | John F. Kennedy International, NY → TIST Airport | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Lana Catterton, Sarah Kellen +2 |
| Jun 3, 2006 | TIST Airport → John F. Kennedy International, NY | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Lana Catterton, Sarah Kellen +3 |
| May 29, 2006 | John F. Kennedy International, NY → TIST Airport | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, David Boles, Lana Catterton |
| Jan 19, 2006 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → SAF Airport | N909JE | Jeff Epstein, Ghislaine, Maxwell +5 |
| Nov 28, 2005 | TIST Airport → John F. Kennedy International, NY | N908JE | Jeff Epstein, A M, Mark Tagoya +4 |
| Nov 12, 2005 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → TIST Airport | N909JE | Jeff Epstein, Adriana Mucinska, Nadia +5 |
| Nov 8, 2005 | TIST Airport → John F. Kennedy International, NY | N908JE | Jeff Epstein, Andrea Mitrovich, Nadia +6 |
Document Mentions
This dossier on Igor Zinoviev was compiled from court records, flight logs, and public documents. 100% free, ad-free, and independent.