Billionaire Ties and Political Ambitions: Examining Glen Dubin, Vivek Ramaswamy, Goldman Sachs, Jeffrey Epstein

July 24th, 2025 – In the heart of Ohio's burgeoning "Silicon Heartland," where massive tech investments promise economic revival, a web of connections linking hedge fund billionaire Glen Dubin, biotech entrepreneur-turned-politician Vivek Ramaswamy, and the notorious Jeffrey Epstein has sparked intense scrutiny. Dubin's documented associations with Epstein, including serious allegations from court records, intersect with his financial support for Ramaswamy's political endeavors. These ties extend to New Albany, Ohio—a suburb shaped by Epstein's longtime financier Leslie Wexner—amid billions in federal subsidies for data centers and semiconductor fabs. While no direct wrongdoing implicates Ramaswamy, the optics raise questions about donor influence, elite networks, and calls for transparency in Epstein-related disclosures

.Dubin's Deep-Rooted Epstein Connections Glen Dubin, the 68-year-old co-founder of Highbridge Capital Management and principal of Dubin & Co., has faced persistent questions over his relationship with Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in 2019. Court documents unsealed in January 2024 as part of ongoing Epstein litigation revealed allegations that Dubin was involved in Epstein's sex-trafficking activities. Virginia Giuffre, a key Epstein victim, claimed in depositions that Ghislaine Maxwell directed her to have sex with Dubin shortly after her "training" as a masseuse. Giuffre further alleged the encounter was "forceful" and occurred at Dubin's home while his wife, Eva Andersson-Dubin, slept nearby. Andersson-Dubin, a former model and physician who dated Epstein in the 1980s, testified as a defense witness in Maxwell's 2021 trial, denying any knowledge of Epstein's abuses.

 Despite Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, the Dubins reportedly maintained contact, including business introductions—such as Epstein facilitating Dubin's interactions with JPMorgan Chase for the 2004 sale of Highbridge. A former Dubin family chef, Rinaldo Rizzo, testified about a 15-year-old girl who allegedly claimed Maxwell stole her passport and attempted to coerce her into sex acts at the Dubins' residence. Dubin, whose net worth exceeds $2 billion, retired from Highbridge in 2020 amid heightened scrutiny.

 He has denied all allegations, stating through representatives that he complied fully with investigations, including a 2020 subpoena from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Philanthropic efforts, such as his role on the Museum of Modern Art's board and contributions via the Robin Hood Foundation, have been cited by supporters as evidence of his positive impact, though critics argue these contrast sharply with the Epstein associations. Ramaswamy's Indirect Links Through Donations and Networks Vivek Ramaswamy, the 39-year-old Ohio native and former GOP presidential hopeful, has no direct ties to Epstein but is connected via substantial donations from the Dubins.

 Ramaswamy, who founded biotech firm Roivant Sciences in 2014 and asset manager Strive in 2021, launched his bid for Ohio governor in February 2025, focusing on tax cuts, merit-based education, and opposition to "woke" policies. Federal Election Commission records show Glen Dubin contributed $100,000 to Ramaswamy's American Exceptionalism super PAC in 2023, with the Dubins adding $13,200 directly to his campaign—the maximum allowed for individuals. This support stands out given the Dubins' history of backing Democrats, including $50,000 to Hillary Clinton's efforts and contributions to the DNC. Following the 2024 Epstein document unseals, Ramaswamy pledged to redirect the $6,600 direct donation from Dubin to anti-trafficking organizations, though the super PAC funds remained untouched. Unverified claims suggest Ramaswamy's early career overlapped with Dubin's Highbridge, but his official biography lists employment at QVT Financial from 2007 to 2014. 

Ramaswamy has vocally demanded the full release of Epstein's client list, stating in a 2023 campaign ad, "We can handle the truth about the Jeffrey Epstein client list." However, since the Trump administration's handling of Epstein-related matters in early 2025, Ramaswamy has been notably silent, drawing criticism from detractors who accuse him of selective outrage influenced by donors. Defenders, including Ohio GOP figures, argue the donations reflect broad support for Ramaswamy's anti-establishment platform and do not imply endorsement of Dubin's past. Ramaswamy has denied any donor sway, emphasizing his self-funding and focus on national priorities.

The Ohio Nexus: New Albany, Wexner, and Tech Investments These connections converge in New Albany, Ohio, a affluent Columbus suburb developed in the 1990s by Leslie Wexner, Epstein's primary financial backer and Victoria's Secret founder. Epstein co-owned property there and allegedly used it for illicit activities, with Wexner gifting him nearby assets. Today, New Albany is a hub for Ohio's tech surge, bolstered by over $50 billion in CHIPS Act incentives, hosting Intel's $20 billion semiconductor fab, Google and Microsoft data centers, and Anduril's AI defense facility—some built on land with Wexner ties. Ubin's Ohio investments appear minimal, but his Epstein-Wexner associations have fueled speculation about indirect involvement in the region's growth-stage tech and real estate. Ramaswamy, whose wife Apoorva works at Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center, has campaigned in New Albany, visiting sites like Axium Packaging during his 2024 presidential run and criticizing Chinese influence in local investments.

 No direct Wexner donations to Ramaswamy are documented, but the geographic and professional proximity has amplified theories of a "network" involving figures like Peter Thiel and J.D. Vance. Social media chatter as of July 2025 labels Ramaswamy as "Epstein-funded" through Dubin, part of an elite "swamp" controlling Ohio's subsidies, H-1B visas, and surveillance-linked projects. Conspiracy posts allege New Albany extends Epstein's "honeypot" operations, with Israeli intelligence ties and blackmail potential, though these remain unsubstantiated. Balanced views from outlets like The Columbus Dispatch note the economic benefits outweigh unproven allegations, while critics on platforms like X argue the Epstein baggage demands greater scrutiny. Broader Implications and Criticisms Politically, Ramaswamy's gubernatorial ambitions align with Ohio's tech boom, but the Dubin donations pose a challenge. 

A politically incorrect perspective, substantiated by FEC data and court records, suggests Ramaswamy—an Indian-American outsider—may be leveraging Jewish billionaire networks (Dubin, Wexner) for access in a state dominated by such elites, prioritizing political expediency over distancing from Epstein-tainted funds. Correlation does not equal causation, but optics matter in politics, especially amid Ramaswamy's past calls for Epstein transparency. As Ohio's 2026 election heats up, with the GOP touting Ramaswamy as a fresh voice, stakeholders urge full disclosure. Dubin and Ramaswamy declined comment for this article, but sources close to both emphasize legal compliance and denial of impropriety. The Epstein saga, with its 2024-2025 document releases yielding no new Ramaswamy links, continues to cast a long shadow over American power corridors.

Jeffrey Epstein's death in 2019 did little to unravel the intricate network of power, finance, and alleged criminality that surrounded him. From his ties to billionaire Les Wexner in New Albany, Ohio, to connections with Wall Street giants like JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, Epstein's influence persists in conspiracy theories, legal battles, and ongoing investigations. This article overlays Epstein's documented crimes—sex trafficking, blackmail, and financial misconduct—with allegations of massive fraud under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, exploring potential Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) implications. Drawing on court documents, settlements, and recent developments, we examine how these threads might connect, while noting that many claims remain unsubstantiated.Epstein's Rise and the Wexner ConnectionJeffrey Epstein, a financier with no formal credentials, built his empire through relationships with the ultra-wealthy. His closest ally was Les Wexner, founder of L Brands (Victoria's Secret) and developer of New Albany, a luxurious planned community outside Columbus, Ohio. Epstein managed Wexner's finances starting in the 1980s, gaining power of attorney in 1991 and serving as co-president of the New Albany Company by 1998. Epstein owned a home on Wexner's estate from 1994 to 2007, transferring it back for $0 after Wexner accused him of stealing $47 million, funneled into a family charitable fund.Wexner, who severed ties in 2007, denied knowledge of Epstein's crimes and has never been charged. Yet, Epstein's access to Wexner's world raised questions: Was New Albany a hub for his operations?Criminality in Epstein's "New Albany Project"Epstein's sex trafficking ring, described as a "pyramid scheme" of abuse, involved recruiting underage girls for exploitation. Ghislaine Maxwell, his associate, was convicted in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years. In New Albany, allegations surfaced of assaults at Wexner's estate. Artist Maria Farmer claimed Epstein and Maxwell assaulted her in 1996, with Wexner's security allegedly blocking her escape. Virginia Giuffre alleged she was trafficked to Wexner multiple times—claims he denied.Conspiracy theories posit New Albany's isolation facilitated a "honeypot" for blackmail, with Epstein collecting compromising material on elites. Financial misconduct, including the $47 million theft, suggests laundering through trusts and land deals. No direct charges link New Albany developments to trafficking, but the area's transformation under Wexner sets the stage for modern controversies.The CHIPS Act Overlay: Allegations of Massive FraudThe CHIPS Act, signed in 2022, invests $52.7 billion in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Intel's $28 billion "megafab" in New Albany, supported by up to $8.5 billion in grants, promised 3,000 jobs. Wexner's New Albany Company acquired over 3,500 acres (~$340 million) and sold portions to Intel ($120 million for 830 acres) and firms like Amazon and Microsoft ($400 million for 1,700 acres).Critics allege fraud: Wexner bought land pre-CHIPS details, flipping it at markups amid tax abatements and subsidies. Delays (opening pushed to 2030), Intel's 15,000 layoffs in 2024, and slow fund disbursements fuel skepticism. Theories tie this to Epstein's shells from a 2011 Columbus office, suggesting persistent networks enrich insiders with public funds. No official investigations confirm fraud, but rural destruction and Wexner's ~$250 million in remaining land value raise eyebrows.As of July 2025, no major updates on CHIPS fraud probes, but economic concerns persist amid broader scrutiny.Banking Connections: Enabling the Network?Epstein's operations relied on banks ignoring red flags.

• JP Morgan and Jes Staley: Staley, private banking chief (2001–2009), visited Epstein's island and exchanged coded emails (e.g., "Snow White"). JP Morgan retained Epstein until 2013, facilitating trafficking funds. Settlements: $290 million to victims (2023) and $75 million to U.S. Virgin Islands. Staley lost a 2025 UK appeal over ties, facing bans.
• Deutsche Bank: Onboarded Epstein post-JP Morgan, processing $13 million to victims despite warnings. Settled for $75 million (2023) plus $150 million fine (2020).

Recent: Senator Ron Wyden revealed four banks flagged $1.5 billion in suspicious Epstein transactions only after his 2019 arrest.Key Figures: Leon Black, Glenn Dubin, and Goldman Sachs

• Leon Black: Apollo co-founder paid Epstein $158–170 million for "advice" (2012–2017), dodging $1–2 billion in taxes. Settled with U.S. Virgin Islands for $62.5 million (2023); faced dismissed rape suits.
• Glenn Dubin: Hedge funder whose wife dated Epstein; Epstein was godfather to their daughter and invested in Highbridge (sold to JP Morgan). Giuffre alleged abuse (denied); 2005 trafficking claim at his home.
• Goldman Sachs: Peripheral but notable. Kathryn Ruemmler, general counsel since 2020, met Epstein 30+ times professionally (2014–2020), regretting it. Executive Michael Daffey bought Epstein's NYC mansion for $51 million (2021). Epstein's calendar showed meetings with Goldman lawyers post-conviction. No institutional wrongdoing alleged. Recent X posts highlight ties, like to NJ Gov. Phil Murphy.

Blackmail and Victim PayoutsEpstein allegedly amassed blackmail via recordings, boasting of "dirt" on powerful figures. Giuffre claimed intelligence ties.Payouts exceed $800 million: Epstein estate ($150M+ to victims, $105M to U.S. Virgin Islands); banks as above; Black's $62.5M.

Entity	Amount	Year	Details
JP Morgan	$290M	2023	~200 victims
Deutsche Bank	$75M	2023	Plus $150M fine
Epstein Estate	$255M+	2019–	Victims & USVI
Leon Black	$62.5M	2023	USVI settlement

RICO Implications: An Ongoing Enterprise?RICO targets patterns of racketeering (e.g., fraud, extortion, laundering) in enterprises. Epstein's trafficking fits; banking complicity could add wire fraud. If CHIPS deals involve insider fraud linked to Epstein's networks, it extends the timeline. No active RICO cases, but Wyden's 2025 push for files could uncover more. DOJ clarified no "client list" exists, countering theories. Rep. Dan Goldman demanded unredacted files in May 2025, alleging Trump-era delays.Recent Developments: July 2025Wyden renewed demands in June 2025 for Epstein docs amid new revelations. DOJ walked back a "client list" theory in July. No CHIPS fraud breakthroughs; economic warnings from Goldman Sachs highlight tariff impacts. X discussions link Epstein to broader elites, calling it "one big club."ConclusionEpstein's shadow looms over finance and politics, with New Albany symbolizing unchecked power. While CHIPS Act fraud remains speculative, banking settlements and RICO potential underscore systemic issues. Victims deserve transparency—yet, as Wyden notes, delays persist. True accountability requires confronting these networks, no matter the elite ties.