Gates Testifies Before Congress Over Epstein Links

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was scheduled to testify before a US House of Representatives committee on Wednesday as lawmakers examine the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

The inquiry is focused on potential misconduct by federal authorities in their investigations of Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Lawmakers are also reviewing plea agreements, efforts to combat human trafficking and the release of government records related to the case.

Justice Department documents show that Gates met Epstein several times after the financier’s release from prison in 2008. According to previous statements, the meetings were connected to Gates’s philanthropic work.

Gates has acknowledged that maintaining contact with Epstein was a mistake.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has also faced scrutiny over its past interactions with Epstein. An external review was launched after published emails revealed communications between the financier and foundation staff.

The Epstein case has continued to attract public attention following the release of millions of pages of documents detailing his connections to prominent figures in politics, business and academia, including US President Donald Trump.

(reuters, bak)