DOJ Files Confirm Forged Passport
A recently released trove of documents by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially confirmed that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein possessed a forged Austrian passport. The existence of this fraudulent document, which had been a subject of speculation, was revealed as part of a broader release of files related to Epstein's sex-trafficking case. The documents, made public around December 23-24, 2025, provide verifiable details about the passport's contents and discovery.
Discovery and Passport Details
The forged Austrian passport was initially discovered by FBI agents in 2019 during a search of Epstein's townhouse in New York, following his arrest. It was found secured within a safe. The passport featured Epstein's photograph but was issued under the alias 'Marius Fortelni' (also cited as 'Marius Robert Fortelni'). It listed Saudi Arabia as the place of residence. The document indicated it was issued on May 21, 1982, by the Federal Police Directorate in Vienna and had an expiration date of 1987. Notably, Epstein's photo on the passport was not authenticated by an official stamp.
Contradictory Claims Regarding Usage
Despite initial assertions by Epstein's lawyers in 2019 that the passport was never used and was intended solely for 'personal protection' against kidnappers or terrorists during travel in dangerous regions, particularly the Middle East, the newly released files suggest otherwise. The passport contained several entry and exit stamps from various countries, including France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as a stamp from the Saudi Arabian consulate in Vienna. This evidence indicates that the document was indeed utilized for international travel.
Austrian Authorities' Response
Upon the passport's discovery in 2019, Austrian authorities were reportedly unaware of its existence when contacted by US officials. Investigations conducted at the time failed to identify the document's origin. In March 2022, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated in a parliamentary inquiry response that investigations had not been able to confirm the existence of the passport. Austrian law dictates that passports, whether ordinary, service, or diplomatic, can only be issued to Austrian citizens.
6 Comments
Muchacho
This document release solidifies Epstein's criminal ingenuity, but it also underscores the vast network he must have had to acquire and use such a document. We need to focus on how he obtained it, as that could expose more individuals involved in his horrific activities.
ZmeeLove
The confirmation that Epstein used a forged passport for international travel is significant, highlighting his elaborate deception. However, the Austrian authorities' inability to trace its origin suggests a deeper systemic failure or complicity that still needs to be investigated thoroughly.
Bermudez
Only *now* are these documents released? The delay is suspicious and frustrating.
Africa
While it's good to have official confirmation of the forged passport, it raises more questions about who facilitated this and why it took so long for this detail to emerge. The implications for international travel security are concerning.
ZmeeLove
This whole story stinks. Too many questions, too few answers from officials.
Raphael
Good, another piece of the puzzle confirmed. The truth keeps coming out.