Audit Clears Gates Foundation of Epstein Payments

An independent audit commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found no evidence of payments to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The review, conducted by law firm WilmerHale after the US Department of Justice released emails in January, also found no evidence that the foundation participated in or knew about Epstein's sex trafficking operations or other criminal activities.

The investigation included more than 50 interviews with current and former employees as well as a review of extensive documentation. It concluded that the foundation's main engagement with Epstein took place between 2011 and 2014 and involved two matters: a proposed donor-advised fund and the nonprofit International Peace Institute (IPI).

Although the donor-advised fund was never established, the foundation provided funding to the IPI to support efforts to eradicate polio. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who has not been accused of any crime, has repeatedly expressed regret over his association with Epstein and denied spending time with Epstein's victims, saying he never witnessed criminal conduct by the financier.

(Reuters, Max)