US billionaire buys Jeffrey Epstein’s notoriously ‘abusive’ private island | World News

Jeffrey Epstein’s private islands, Great and Little St James, are to be turned into a resort by an American billionaire.according to a report National Public Radiothe islands are responsible for Epstein’s alleged abuse and trafficking of young women and underage girls.

The two islands, which have been in limbo since Epstein’s death in 2019, have now been purchased for $60 million by an investment firm led by billionaire Stephen Dekoff. Interestingly, the purchase price was well below the $110 million that both properties recently listed.

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The two islands are located off St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The islands have played a major role in the legal proceedings against Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. St. James Jr., in particular, has been cited frequently in court filings for allegedly transporting many young girls on private jets and forcing them to have sex with Epstein and other men.

Buyer Deckoff said he planned to turn the islands into a “world-class destination”. He promised to turn around the region’s economic fortunes without destroying its natural beauty.

“Mr. Deckoff’s plans to develop a premier 25-room five-star world-class luxury resort will help boost tourism, create jobs and stimulate economic development in the region, while respecting and protecting the critical environment of the islands ,” according to a press release about the sale.

In December, the two sides reached a $105 million settlement in which the U.S. Virgin Islands government will receive 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of Little St. James. The money will be used to establish a trust fund to provide support services and counseling for women who have experienced sexual abuse and human trafficking.

Little St. James sits on approximately 71.6 acres and features a private helipad, marina, gas station, state-of-the-art water filtration system, two swimming pools, main residence, four guest villas, three secluded beaches, a fitness center and more facility, a traditional tiki hut, and several other structures, as shown in its real estate ad.