A federal judge in New York has ruled that a group of Jeffrey Epstein's victims can proceed with most of their lawsuits against FirstBank Puerto Rico, alleging the institution was complicit in Epstein's sex trafficking network. Judge Jed S. Rakoff allowed the main claims to continue, rejecting much of FirstBank's request to dismiss the litigation.
The plaintiffs claim FirstBank was Epstein's longest-standing banking partner for over two decades, managing around 30 accounts and knowingly benefiting from his illicit activities. First BanCorp, which operates in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, has denied the allegations, stating it only provided routine banking services and had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes. According to the lawsuit, Epstein had over 30 accounts at FirstBank, and the financial institution filed suspicious activity reports after Epstein's arrest in 2019.