Mark Epstein, the 65-year-old brother of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is set to inherit a $577 million fortune following the financier’s death, though his will leaves open the possibility of additional claims.

Why it matters: The inheritance of such a vast estate by Mark Epstein, amid ongoing investigations into Jeffrey’s crimes, raises questions about the distribution of assets tied to alleged sex trafficking, potentially complicating justice for victims and creditors.

Driving the news: Jeffrey Epstein’s 18-page will, filed after his apparent suicide on August 10, 2019, at the Manhattan Correctional Facility, names Mark Epstein as the sole heir to a fortune including cash, real estate, and investments, while hinting at unknown petitioners.

• Mark Epstein, listed as the decedent’s adult brother and next of kin, is entitled to 100% of the estate, which includes $56.5 million in cash, $127 million in investments, $195 million in hedge funds, and $163 million in real estate, much of it managed by Virgin Islands corporations.
• The will instructs executors Darren K. Indyke and Richard D. Kahn—each paid $250,000—to handle distributions, including for beneficiaries under 21 or with legal disabilities, suggesting potential future claims from victims or others.
• Jeffrey, a registered sex offender since his 2008 Florida conviction for abusing a 14-year-old, listed his residency as the Virgin Islands, adding complexity to the estate’s legal oversight.

Catch up quick: Jeffrey Epstein, who died while facing sex trafficking charges, amassed a fortune through investments and real estate, including two private islands in Pillsbury Sound. His death ended a trial, but investigations into his crimes continue, with Mark Epstein, a Cooper Union vice chairman and Humpty Dumpty Institute director, now in the spotlight as heir.

The intrigue: The will’s vague reference to “potential debts and claims” fuels speculation about whether victims or creditors might challenge Mark’s inheritance, especially given Epstein’s history of alleged abuse over 15 years.

Between the lines: By naming Mark as sole heir and listing Virgin Islands residency, Jeffrey may have aimed to shield assets from US legal scrutiny, a move that could delay or complicate victim compensation as the estate’s executors navigate undisclosed claims.

What they’re saying:

• “Petitioners are investigating potential debts and claims of the Estate and at this time they are unknown,” the will states, leaving room for future legal battles.

The bottom line: Mark Epstein’s impending inheritance of Jeffrey’s $577 million fortune, shadowed by the will’s ambiguity, risks perpetuating injustice for victims, highlighting the challenges of holding such estates accountable amid ongoing legal uncertainties.