U.S. authorities have issued preservation orders to more than two dozen technology and service companies to secure communications connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, where a criminal investigation into alleged sex trafficking and abuse is ongoing. Among those whose messages are now subject to retention orders are Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted associate.
New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez sent letters in May to firms including Google, WhatsApp, Yahoo, American Express, and Expedia, directing them to preserve emails, cloud data, and messaging records tied to Zorro Ranch and individuals associated with the estate. This move marks a significant escalation in the probe into Epstein’s secluded 8,000-acre property, where multiple women and girls have alleged they were groomed or abused.
Sources familiar with the investigation confirm that Mountbatten-Windsor visited the ranch on several occasions. Former staff have been interviewed about his presence, activities, and associates during those visits. Investigators are seeking to capture any communications he had with Epstein or Maxwell related to Zorro Ranch, especially since Epstein reportedly used a Gmail account to correspond with the former royal. U.S. Congressman Robert Garcia stated that Mountbatten-Windsor “again has the opportunity to come clean and provide justice for the survivors.”
The investigation focuses on reconstructing a full account of events and interactions at Zorro Ranch rather than presuming guilt for all who visited. Prosecutors emphasize their intent to safeguard evidence before any potential deletion occurs. Epstein’s former assistant Lesley Groff and Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking of minors, are also among those whose communications are being preserved.
The allegations surrounding Zorro Ranch include claims that Epstein planned to use the property to impregnate multiple women simultaneously, aiming to “seed the human race with his DNA.” This disturbing detail was disclosed by computer scientist Jaron Lanier, who cited a fellow researcher’s account of Epstein’s intentions.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles amid previous controversies over his links to Epstein, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, including allegations made by Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre, a key accuser who died by suicide last year, had claimed Mountbatten-Windsor sexually abused her at Epstein’s properties. He denies ever meeting her as she alleged. The former Duke of York is also subject to investigations by multiple UK police forces relating to alleged sexual misconduct and other claims during his time as a trade envoy.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., a group of 16 members of Congress are pushing for a new FBI investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor following the recent release of photographs obtained by the Department of Justice. At least three images show the former prince in provocative poses with an unidentified woman. Rep. Ted Lieu described them as sufficient grounds for renewed scrutiny.
Testimony is also expected from U.S. billionaire Leon Black, who resigned as CEO of a private equity firm over financial ties to Epstein. During hearings, lawmakers plan to question Black about a settlement Epstein allegedly negotiated between him and a “Russian model.” Black denies knowing about Epstein’s criminal activities. Additionally, files released by the Department of Justice reveal that 25 unnamed wealthy men reportedly reached secret settlements with Epstein’s victims, with their identities redacted.
The New Mexico Attorney General’s office declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, underscoring that the preservation of communications is part of a broader effort to pursue accountability and assist survivors of abuse linked to Epstein’s network.