Emails show Epstein discussed a potentially dubious Nigerian crude oil deal...

Newly released documents have revealed email exchanges between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and a businessman identified as David Stern, in which they discussed a possible business deal involving Nigerian crude oil.

The documents are part of a large cache released by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

In an email dated September 20, 2010, Stern told Epstein about what he described as an opportunity to make millions of dollars by brokering, or “flipping,” Nigerian oil.

Stern said a person identified only as “PA” had suggested he meet individuals with access to Nigerian crude, which could then be sold to China or other buyers for significant profit.

“PA has asked me to see a guy who has access to Nigerian oil, and when selling it to China (or somebody else), F. can make around $6m,” Stern wrote.

Despite outlining the potential gains, Stern expressed clear doubts about the deal, warning Epstein of possible irregularities.

“This seems very fishy (as my boss JEE would say),” he added.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has for decades struggled with opacity in its oil sector, where crude oil theft and illegal trading are widespread.

Although successive governments have pledged reforms, progress has been limited, with the national oil company, NNPC Limited, only recently beginning to publish audited financial statements.

CBI News reports that the correspondence between Epstein and Stern is one of several instances in the newly released files in which Nigeria appeared in discussions involving Epstein and members of his wealthy and influential network.

Epstein, Nigeria and Jonathan-era contact

Another email from 2010 shows Nigeria featuring again in Epstein’s communications.

In a message dated September 27, 2010, George Reenstra, founder of Aircraft Service Group, informed Epstein of an urgent trip to Nigeria to meet with then-President Goodluck Jonathan, who had assumed office just four months earlier.

“I unexpectedly must leave this evening for Nigeria. I have tried hard to delay this trip but it is with the country President and I have no alternative,” Reenstra wrote.

There is no confirmation that the meeting with the Nigerian president ultimately took place.

Reenstra also told Epstein that documents related to a separate transaction had been handed over to his business partner, Jon Parker, to finalise during his absence.

The FBI-released files contain extensive correspondence between Epstein and prominent political, business and royal figures prior to his death in July 2019, while he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The documents reference interactions with US President Donald Trump, who has acknowledged knowing Epstein but says he severed ties with him years earlier.

Other high-profile figures mentioned include former US President Bill Clinton, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and Britain’s Prince Andrew.

One email shows Epstein inviting Prince Andrew to dine at Buckingham Palace, while another offered to introduce the prince to a 26-year-old Russian woman.

Although Prince Andrew has previously claimed he had no contact with Epstein after December 2010, the emails suggest communication continued into February 2011.

Musk, Lutnick, Bannon appear in files

Elon Musk’s name appears in email exchanges between 2012 and 2013 discussing visits to Epstein’s Caribbean island.

Musk later said Epstein “tried repeatedly” to persuade him to visit the island, invitations he said he declined.

The files also indicate that US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick arranged a visit to Epstein’s island in 2012.

Additionally, Epstein exchanged friendly emails with Trump adviser Steve Bannon.

In a January 2019 message, Epstein asked whether Bannon had received an Apple Watch sent as a Christmas gift and later invited him to New York.