US Lawmaker Ro Khanna Reveals Six Names from Unredacted Epstein Files
In a significant development, US Representative Ro Khanna has publicly identified six men whose names were previously redacted in documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This action has intensified a political dispute over the handling and release of these sensitive records.
Who Are the Six Men Named by Ro Khanna?
The six individuals named by Representative Khanna include Leslie Wexner, a US billionaire retail executive with past financial ties to Epstein; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, a Dubai-based business leader who heads the global logistics company DP World; Nicola Caputo, whose name matches an Italian politician, though his connection to the files remains unconfirmed; and three others: Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, and Leonic Leonov, whose specific roles in the Epstein case are not yet clear in public reporting.
Khanna emphasized that appearing in these files does not prove criminal wrongdoing, and none of these men have been charged with crimes related to Epstein based solely on their presence in the documents. The revelation came after Justice Department officials acknowledged errors in earlier redactions, with reports indicating that a billionaire businessman linked to Epstein was labeled a co-conspirator by the FBI, though no charges have been filed.
Lawmakers Challenge Justice Department Redactions
Representative Ro Khanna read out the names on the House floor, deepening a dispute between lawmakers and the US Justice Department over the handling of Epstein-related documents. Alongside Republican Representative Thomas Massie, Khanna reviewed unredacted records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law designed to increase public access to government documents in this case.
After a two-hour review, the lawmakers identified six names that had been blacked out in previous releases. Khanna accused federal agencies, including the FBI, of improperly removing information, arguing that the redactions did not comply with the transparency law enacted in November. He stated that lawmakers should not have needed to intervene personally to uncover these names.
Massie, while not releasing the names himself, called on the Justice Department to correct what he described as redaction errors. In response, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the department's actions, stating that edits were made to protect personal information and adhere to privacy laws.
Debate Over Transparency Continues
This disclosure has renewed calls in Congress for greater transparency regarding Epstein-related records. Justice Department officials maintain that most redactions are necessary to safeguard victims and sensitive data, while lawmakers continue to debate whether additional unredacted documents should be released.
Khanna later stressed that the goal of making these files public is to promote transparency and accountability, not to assume guilt based solely on a person's name appearing in government records. The ongoing controversy highlights broader issues of government oversight and public access to information in high-profile cases.
