Robert Mugabe, flanked here by his wife Grace, dominated Zimbabwe’s political landscape for nearly four decades
Newly released US justice papers have pulled Zimbabwe’s late former president, Robert Mugabe, into the long and controversial trail of Jeffrey Epstein. But the documents do not accuse Mugabe of any crime. Instead, they describe a money idea that never moved beyond private messages.
The files show that in 2015, Epstein discussed a proposal linked to Zimbabwe’s economic troubles. At the time, the country was struggling after its own currency collapsed under extreme inflation. In emails with Japanese businessman Joi Ito, Epstein suggested reaching out to Mugabe, who was still in office, about helping Zimbabwe introduce a new form of currency.
The exchange appears in a fresh release from the US Department of Justice. It is one of many records now public that show how Epstein tried to place himself close to powerful figures across the world by offering financial solutions.
Another document, dated 2017 and linked to the FBI, includes claims from an unnamed informant. The source alleged that Epstein handled wealth for several global leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and made the same claim about Mugabe. US authorities have not confirmed this account.
Officials stress that appearing in these records does not mean any law was broken. The documents mainly track contacts, claims, and conversations tied to Epstein’s wide network.
Robert Mugabe led Zimbabwe from independence in 1980 until he was removed by the military in 2017. He died two years later at the age of 95. His family has been contacted for comment.