The network of relationships revealed in the Epstein files: Tom Barrack began making contact years ago

U.S.-based CBS News has reported on the years-long correspondence between Tom Barrack, who served as a U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, and Jeffrey Epstein, based on the Jeffrey Epstein files released by the U.S. Department of Justice. The documents show that contact between the two individuals continued even after the period when Epstein was being tried on charges of sexual abuse of underage girls and running a sex trafficking ring.

According to the files, communication between Barrack and Epstein continued even after Barrack became a major fundraiser for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. The correspondence persisted during the period when Barrack chaired Trump's inaugural committee and was a frequent figure at the White House.

EPSTEIN'S SEARCH TO REACH TRUMP

According to the documents cited by CBS News, Epstein occasionally viewed Barrack as a potential intermediary who could convey messages to Trump. However, the files emphasize that there is no evidence that Epstein's messages were conveyed to Trump or that Trump had direct contact with Epstein through Barrack.

The correspondence in the documents includes invitations to private residences, introductions to diplomats and investors, and discussions regarding business opportunities. It is also observed that Epstein invited Barrack to use encrypted messaging applications that do not appear in government records and allow messages to be deleted.

THE DATE OF THEIR FIRST MEETING IS UNCLEAR

It is not known for certain how Barrack and Epstein first met. However, journalist Michael Wolff described Trump, Barrack, and Epstein as the "Three Musketeers of the 1980s and 1990s nightlife" in his book "Fire and Fury." Emails belonging to Epstein show that both Barrack and Epstein contributed to Wolff for this book. Trump, for his part, had described the book as being "full of lies and misrepresentations."

A FRIENDSHIP THAT CONTINUED AFTER 2008

The documents reveal that the relationship between Barrack and Epstein continued uninterrupted even after the period when Epstein faced charges of sexual abuse of underage girls in Florida and pleaded guilty in a 2008 deal that allowed him to avoid federal charges.

'THINKING OF YOU' MESSAGE

In September 2009, months after Epstein's release from the Palm Beach County Jail, the files show that Barrack messaged him, saying, "Thinking of you, hope you are well and life has calmed down again."

In the following years, it appears that Epstein introduced Barrack to figures such as Peter Thiel, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and former Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin.

CRITICAL CORRESPONDENCE IN 2016

In the early months of 2016, as Trump's political rise accelerated, Epstein sent an email to Barrack referencing their past relationship. To Epstein, who mentioned questions directed at him regarding the Trump and Clinton circles in the message, Barrack replied, "Hope you are well. Let's meet and talk."

That same year, Epstein asked Barrack for photos of his newborn child. In April 2016, Epstein forwarded information to Barrack regarding a lawsuit filed against Trump and himself, which was later withdrawn. The documents do not show whether Barrack responded to this email.

MIDDLE EAST AND REAL ESTATE CONNECTIONS

In the early 2000s, it appears that both Barrack and Epstein had strong business connections in the Middle East. The files state that Epstein traveled to the region frequently, while Barrack was involved in numerous real estate deals involving Middle Eastern governments.

HIGH-LEVEL CONTACTS

The documents reveal that Epstein offered to introduce Barrack to Prince Andrew and also established contacts with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the CEO of a Dubai-based port company.

In 2012, the documents show that Barrack attempted to sell Epstein's mansion in New York to Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, but the sale did not take place.

ENCRYPTED MESSAGING

The correspondence also highlights Epstein's calls to switch to the Signal application, which allows for the automatic deletion of messages. Messages in which Barrack states that he downloaded this application are present in the files.

The documents show that Epstein followed the 2016 election night in Saudi Arabia and pointed to Barrack as a point of contact for Saudi officials in the post-election process. Messages indicating that Epstein was with the Trump circle in Palm Beach after the election are also included in the files.

Throughout 2017 and 2018, it is understood that Epstein continued his role as a networker for Barrack, but contact between the two diminished as the presidential term progressed. The files state that there is no clear information on whether the conversations continued via encrypted applications.

News Source: 12punto