[imagesource: Gabriel Lopez Albarran/AP]

Jeffrey Epstein’s estate owns two private Caribbean islands, although their names have been dragged through the mud just a touch.

Little St. James (pictured above) and neighbouring Great St. James, in the US Virgin Islands, were dubbed ‘Paedophile Island’ by locals, and shows like
Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich really helped spell out the depths of depravity that were plumbed at his properties.

There are also many accounts from those who spent time on one, or both of, the islands, like Epstein’s former masseuse, and the underage girl who tried to swim to freedom.

You might be buying an island or two, but you’re also buying a horrid backstory.

Not that everyone is entirely put off by what’s happened there in the past, because, as The Miami Herald details, there are some interested buyers sniffing around:

…there are multiple people interested in Little St. James and Great St. James, the two cays owned by the disgraced financier…

The properties are zoned for residential, not hotel, usage and prospective buyers seek a private island-estate as did Epstein and British businessman Richard Branson, who owns an island 34 miles away in the British Virgin Islands.

Some parties interested in the Epstein islands have gone as far as to sign non-disclosure agreements with the estate in hopes of making an offer.

Branson’s Necker Island has seen a few wild parties, as well as a few rebuilds after damage from hurricanes, but its reputation as a place for the rich and famous to escape the glare of the cameras remains a huge drawcard.

The same cannot be said for Epstein’s islands, with any potential buyer sure to draw a great deal of media scrutiny.

If the islands are flogged, there’s a chance the proceeds could be used to compensate some of Epstein’s victims:

Epstein estate lawyers note that more than $87 million has been paid into the [Epstein Victims Compensation Fund], more than $55 million going to victims.

But the estate is hobbled at the moment in its ability to raise more money by selling the two islands, collectively valued by the estate between $48 million and $79 million.

That’s because of liens imposed on the estate by Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George.

George’s sign-off is needed before a sale could be completed, which adds another layer of red tape for anybody looking to snap up an island or two.

Let’s see some drone footage showing both islands:

Other Epstein properties up for grabs include a luxury pad in Paris, a Colorado ski cabin, a ranch in New Mexico (any buyer will also have to reckon with that property’s past) and his infamous Manhattan mansion, which is currently valued at around $65 million.

[source:miamiherald]