The criminal career of Jeffrey Epstein, facilitated by his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, was built on a foundation of massive, unexplained wealth. The key to that foundation lies in his deep, nearly two-decade-long relationship with retail magnate Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands.
This connection was not merely professional; it was one of unparalleled access and trust that directly equipped Epstein with the means to commit his crimes, from the private plane he flew to the ability to lure victims.
The Enabling Empire: L Brands
Les Wexner founded L Brands (originally The Limited, Inc.) and built it into a colossal retail conglomerate, the most famous component of which was Victoria's Secret. Wexner’s vast fortune, generated by the success of brands like Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, The Limited, and Express, became the primary resource for Epstein.
In 1987, Wexner hired Epstein as his personal financial manager. By 1991, Wexner had given Epstein power of attorney, a legal authority that granted Epstein near-unmitigated control over Wexner’s personal assets and finances. This power allowed Epstein to sign checks, buy and sell property, and borrow money on Wexner’s behalf.
The Tools of Deception: Plane and Property
The most visible symbols of this enabling relationship were two properties that became central to Epstein’s abuse:
- The Private Jet: The Boeing 727-100, nicknamed the "Lolita Express," features the distinctive ‘WJ’ emblem on its tail. This symbol is widely believed to stand for Wexner-J (Wexner/Jeffrey). The aircraft was owned by a company connected to Wexner before its transfer to Epstein’s control. It was a tool of mobility, taking Epstein and his associates around the globe.
- The New York City Mansion: Epstein acquired Wexner's massive Upper East Side townhouse, a property that later became the site of some of the most horrific abuse alleged against Epstein and Maxwell.
The Victoria's Secret Lure
Wexner’s position as the head of L Brands, particularly his connection to Victoria's Secret, gave Epstein a powerful mechanism for exploitation.
Multiple accounts revealed that Epstein frequently posed as a talent scout for the lingerie brand, using the company’s name—and by extension, the perceived authority of the Wexner empire—to approach, lure, and entrap young women and aspiring models. Though L Brands and Wexner later claimed Epstein was never an employee or authorized representative of the company, this perceived connection to the world of high fashion and glamour was instrumental in his schemes.
Wexner ultimately claimed Epstein had "misappropriated vast sums of money" from him and his family. However, the legacy of their relationship remains the fact that one of the wealthiest men in America provided a convicted sex offender with the financial clout, property, and corporate shield necessary to operate his criminal enterprise for years.
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