Investigators in the United States began searching Jeffrey Epstein’s former ranch in New Mexico on Monday as authorities renewed scrutiny of alleged abuse linked to the late financier’s remote property.
The search of the Zorro Ranch comes after the release of millions of investigative files earlier this year that intensified pressure on officials to revisit allegations involving Epstein and his associates.
The property, located roughly 50 kilometers south of Santa Fe, was owned by Epstein from 1993 until his death in 2019 after he was indicted on sex trafficking charges.
Epstein accusers, including the late Virginia Giuffre, have said they suffered abuse at the ranch, though he was never charged with crimes related specifically to activities at the site while alive.
New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez ordered authorities last month to reopen the investigation into Epstein’s alleged activities at the ranch after the state had previously closed a probe in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors.
The New Mexico Department of Justice said investigators are reviewing new information that emerged from files released in January by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“The New Mexico Department of Justice will continue to keep the public appropriately informed, support the survivors, and follow the facts wherever they lead.”
Authorities also urged members of the public to avoid the area and refrain from flying drones nearby during the ongoing operation.
A Reuters witness reported seeing a government vehicle bearing a paw-print symbol, suggesting the presence of search animals, leaving the ranch while state police and local emergency vehicles were also spotted nearby.
Among the materials prompting renewed attention are tips and allegations contained in the recently released documents.
One email cited in the files came from a purported former employee at the ranch who claimed to possess videos showing Epstein abusing minors and sought payment of one Bitcoin in exchange.
The same message alleged that the bodies of two foreign girls had been buried in hills near the ranch on Epstein’s orders alongside those of his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Authorities have not confirmed the claims, and investigators are continuing to examine the information as part of the renewed inquiry.
The property was sold in 2023 by Epstein’s estate to Texas businessman Don Huffines, who renamed it San Rafael Ranch.
Officials said the current owners are cooperating with authorities and granted access to the property for the search.
Separately, New Mexico lawmakers have launched a bipartisan legislative “truth commission” with subpoena powers to examine whether public corruption enabled Epstein to operate at the ranch for decades before his death.