In 2003, Epstein, who had not yet been convicted of sexual crimes, traveled to Havana by invitation of Fidel Castro.
Miami, United States. – Jeffrey Epstein, the American financial one convicted of sexual crimes, had at least one documented meeting with dictator Fidel Castro, according to international sources and a photograph Posted on Tuesday by The New York Times.
The image that the debate has unleashed was found among Epstein’s belongings in his Manhattan residence, and shows it by posing with Fidel Castro and Ghislaine Maxwell, near the magnate. Various media have confirmed the authenticity of photography, which The Guardian He points out as one of several hanging on the walls of the houses of Epstein, where other world leaders such as Pope John Paul II appeared.
According to Fox Newsalready in 2005, during a police record in Epstein’s mansion in Palm Beach, images of a photographic gallery that included the Cuban dictator were filmed. Although he then doubted his veracity, subsequent investigations and recent dissemination have supported their authenticity.
The context of this photograph dates back to March 2003, when Epstein traveled to Havana by direct invitation of Fidel Castro. This was confirmed in 2019 the former president of Colombia, Andrés Pastrana, who assured Having accompanied Epstein on that trip, which began in Nassau, Bahamas, and ended in the Cuban capital.
“Epstein remained in Cuba one or two days and then left,” said Pastrana, who remained longer on the island. The route was partially confirmed by flight records, indicating that Epstein, Maxwell and Pastrana departed from New Jersey on March 20, 2003 to Palm Beach, and the next day towards Bahamas. However, section to Cuba does not appear in official records, probably due to current US restrictions on trips to the island.
The photograph in question seems to have been taken during that same trip. Means like Infobae They have confirmed that Pastrana also appearswhich links the image with the joint meeting of 2003.
That meeting took place at a sensitive moment: the call “Black spring” In Cuba, a repressive wave against dissidents ordered by Fidel Castro himself. Epstein’s visit was not reported in the official Cuban media and his presence remained in the shadow.
The nature of the trip is still a reason for speculation. The journalist Fabiola Santiago, of the Miami Herald, He has suggested That Epstein could have considered Cuba as a possible refuge to evade American justice, since the country had no extradition treaty with the United States. However, there are no official evidence that supports this hypothesis.
In 2003, Epstein did not face criminal charges and was mainly known as a wealthy entrepreneur with global connections. Castro, on the other hand, used to receive international figures, such as ex -presidents, entrepreneurs and celebrities, in protocol or informal visits. It is possible, according to various analysis, that Castro will take advantage of the proximity with Pastrana to also invite Epstein.
Outside this trip, and so far, no personal, financial, political or diplomatic relationship between Epstein and Fidel Castro has been documented.
Pastrana’s statements have been key to verifying the facts. Last February, the former Colombian president clarified on the social network X That the only trip he made with Epstein went to Havana, aboard a Jet Gulfstream (registration N909je) authorized by the Cuban authorities. “I never flew in the so -called Lolita Express,” he said, and stressed that his deal with Epstein was “only diplomatic.”
In short, all available evidence confirms that Epstein and Castro met in March 2003 during a visit to Cuba managed by invitation from the Cuban ruler.
Undoubtedly, he finds highlights as a curious crossing of roads between a communist dictator and an American millionaire wrapped in scandals. Some media have reported that Epstein had copies of the photo with Castro on several of its properties, including his apartment in Paris, which suggests that he considered that meeting as one of his high profile social trophies.
