Photo: Epstein Wearing Israel Defense Forces Sweatshirt

A newly released photograph of Jeffrey Epstein, published by The Telegraph, shows the disgraced financier wearing an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sweatshirt just months before his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges. The image, taken in January 2019 aboard Epstein’s private jet, was provided by his longtime butler, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, and is believed to be among the last pictures taken of him while alive.

In the photograph, Epstein appears relaxed and smiling, though visibly puffy. Cotrin, who worked for Epstein in Paris for 18 years as a butler, chauffeur, and cook, said the financier was in “good spirits” at the time and was discussing plans for new investments and spending more time in France. Cotrin insists Epstein “loved life too much” to have taken his own life and was confident he could secure bail before his death.

Alleged Links and Controversy

The IDF sweatshirt in the image is noteworthy given years of speculation about Epstein’s possible connections to Israeli intelligence services, particularly Mossad — allegations that his former lawyer has said Epstein laughed off. The photograph’s publication comes amid renewed calls for the U.S. government to release the complete set of “Epstein files,” documents and materials from investigations that reportedly contain the names of high-profile associates.

Cotrin also told The Telegraph he believed foul play may have been involved not only in Epstein’s death but also in the deaths of others connected to the case, including Virginia Giuffre — who accused Prince Andrew of rape — and modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel. Both were officially ruled suicides.

Inside Epstein’s Circle

During his employment, Cotrin managed Epstein’s eight-bedroom Paris apartment and regularly traveled to work at properties in New York, Palm Beach, and Little St. James, Epstein’s private Caribbean island. He recounted serving and chauffeuring prominent guests, including Prince Andrew, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and film director Woody Allen. Cotrin says he never personally witnessed Epstein engaging in sexual activity with underage girls, describing his duties as focused on household management and hospitality.

One photograph Cotrin retains shows him with Clinton aboard the so-called “Lolita Express” — Epstein’s private Boeing jet that prosecutors say was used to transport underage girls and women. The existence of the image is expected to intensify calls for Clinton to fully disclose the extent of his interactions with Epstein. Clinton has been subpoenaed to testify before a congressional committee investigating Epstein’s activities.

Renewed Attention on Epstein’s Death

Epstein was arrested on July 6, 2019, upon arrival in New York from Paris, and charged with sex trafficking of minors. He was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019. Officially ruled a suicide, his death was met with widespread skepticism, fueled by reports of camera malfunctions, missing surveillance footage, and lapses in jail monitoring. A second autopsy commissioned by Epstein’s brother suggested possible homicide.

The Department of Justice has released nearly 11 hours of surveillance video from outside Epstein’s cell, but a crucial minute of footage is missing — from 11:58:58 p.m. to midnight — further fueling speculation. Despite persistent public interest, a Justice Department memo issued last month stated there was no evidence of a “client list” or a blackmail operation, and confirmed the suicide ruling, adding that no further documents would be released.

The Maxwell Connection

Cotrin described Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend and convicted accomplice, as the “authoritarian boss” who managed household operations and often issued orders. He said she played a central role in running Epstein’s properties but claims he never saw her personally bring underage girls into the homes. Maxwell was sentenced in 2021 to 20 years in prison for conspiring with Epstein to recruit, groom, and abuse minors.

Maxwell, who has since been moved to a minimum-security facility in Texas, is believed by many — including Cotrin — to hold crucial information that could implicate other powerful figures.