Conspiracy theories have swirled in the wake of the alleged suicide of disgraced financier and previously convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who was awaiting trial on new conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. Now, one of Epstein’s former bodyguards is adding fuel to the flames.
In an interview with the Intelligencer, Epstein’s former bodyguard and Palm Beach, Florida driver, Igor Zinoviev, said he believes Epstein had some help ending his own life.
“Somebody helped him to do that”
When asked about the news of Epstein’s death, the Russian mixed-martial arts and UFC fighter told the Intelligencer: “Somebody helped him to do that.”
Zinoviev would not elaborate further.
“Listen, you know, that’s going a little too deep,” he said.
But despite his somewhat cynical attitude, Zinoviev insists he wasn’t happy nor sad about Epstein’s sudden death.
“I’m not sad,” Zinoviev said. “I mean, I didn’t have anything against him, like a bad thing, you know? I don’t care about his life completely. I don’t give a, let’s say, like, crap about how he die[d], how he live[d], or how he’s managed.”
Digging “too deep”
Zinoviev went on to caution the Intelligencer reporter not to dig too dip into Epstein’s story. When the journalist referenced a prior statement from Zinoviev alleging that Epstein would receive tips ahead of time from the local police before officers would pay a visit to the late multimillionaire’s Palm Beach residence, Zinoviev deflected.
“Well, you can read whatever you want right now. Don’t just — you can put yourself in big trouble,” he said. “Listen, don’t put yourself in trouble. Seriously.”
Pressed, Zinoviev wouldn’t budge.
“Let that go. Seriously. Let that go,” he said. “Listen, you’re really smart and I’m not going to offer that over the phone right now, okay? You’re really smart. You have no idea. Please!”
At the conclusion of the interview, Zinoviev was reportedly asked directly if he was talking with any government officials or FBI agents about Epstein. After a “long pause,” the former bodyguard replied: “Um. Great talking to you. Seriously. We talk later.”