Note: The documents relied upon in this story are here.

The latest tranche of the Jeffrey Epstein files released in America cast new light on the connections that the late financial advisor and convicted sex offender had to Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani. The files show that Epstein and Anil Ambani communicated regularly between 2017-19. 

The records show Anil Ambani positioning himself to be a backchannel for the Modi government, though it’s unclear if he had any such authority. It also shows Epstein communicating with different stakeholders, lobbying for American and Indian governments to work together. 

The late Jeffrey Epstein was a New York-based financial advisor, socialite, lobbyist, and fixer. He also was a convicted sex offender. He died by suicide in a New York prison in August 2019 after his arrest over allegations that he sex trafficked minors for his network of the rich and powerful of the world. Millions of documents recovered by the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation from his estate during investigations into these allegations have been released by the US government’s Department of Justice in tranches, after the US Congress forced the government’s hand by passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act late last year. 

Anil Ambani and Epstein, the documents show, were regularly in touch and pursued an independent business relationship. Anil sought Epstein’s help expanding his defence business, including securing a connection with former Israeli PM and Defence Minister Ehud Barak. Epstein extended his phone book for Anil’s benefit, making strategic connections to businesspersons, diplomats, and US government insiders. When Anil Ambani faced an insolvency ruling in 2019, he sought Epstein’s advice on how to raise a personal loan of USD 750 million in a “bankruptcy proof” arrangement. 

Their equation was informal and friendly, with Epstein penning a letter of tribute to Ambani’s mother and promising to help Ambani’s son in New York.  

The following is a detailed account of Epstein’s dealings with Anil, based on the Epstein Files. We have reached out to Anil Ambani and Reliance Group spokespersons and to spokespersons for the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of External Affairs for comment, and this story will be updated when we receive a response.

The introduction amid Ambani’s defence spree

Anil Ambani appears to have been introduced to Epstein in early 2017 by Emirati businessman Sultan bin Sulayem, who heads DP World, one of the world’s largest shipping companies. According to the files, Sulayem was a close associate and confidante of Epstein, with their relationship spanning nearly a decade before Epstein’s death.

On February 20, 2017, Anil Ambani makes his first appearance in the files, with Epstein asking Sulayem, “does ambani want fish,” to be told in response “he is vegetarian no flesh of any kind (:”

Then, Epstein reached out to Indian-American author Deepak Chopra, asking him whether he knew Anil. Chopra replies that he does, and Epstein replies that he is meeting Anil the following day and asks Chopra about him: “Thoughts, insights?!” 

Chopra’s reply described them as extremely wealthy and keen to be seen, with a strong focus on celebrity culture. He said that Anil's brother (Mukesh) had spent USD 2 billion building a home in Mumbai and that together the two brothers formed the richest family in India. Chopra added that the brothers did not get along.

Two days later, on February 22, 2017, Epstein likely met Anil in France. 

Anil had met French president Francois Hollande in Paris, and Epstein’s emails show that he too was in France at the time. 

On the morning of February 23, Epstein reached out to Anil after receiving his contact information from Sulayem.

Epstein opens saying, “I sent an email telling you how happy I was to meet another member of sultans family :)” Ambani responds, “Thanks. Enjoyed mtng u. Will learn a lot from u.” Epstein replies “and me from u.”

Then it is straight to business — and specifically, the defence business. Epstein writes on February 23, “in the email I sent you........

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