Did Epstein order over 1,000 litres of acid “to dissolve bodies”? Epstein files reveal 2018 sulfuric acid order

On the day the FBI opened a case against Jeffrey Epstein for child sex trafficking, he reportedly ordered 55 containers of sulfuric acid to his private island, International Business Times writes, citing investigative journalism sources.

Among the released Epstein documents circulating online is a bank transfer request dated December 6, 2018, for nearly $5,000 to purchase six 55-gallon barrels of sulfuric acid, including fuel and insurance costs for transport.

Social media users on X speculated that Epstein ordered the acid for a sinister purpose. “Jeffrey Epstein ordered sulfuric acid in 2018, likely used to dissolve bodies of children,” one post claimed.

BREAKING: Epstein files reveal Jeffrey Epstein ordered sulphuric acid in 2018, likely used to dissolve bodies of children. pic.twitter.com/XIVyRlbVpE

— The General (@GeneralMCNews) February 8, 2026

Another user commented that the volume of sulphuric acid implies those working for Epstein were "taking disposal to a whole new level," describing it as an "absolute horror."

6 drums of sulfuric acid… sounds like Epstein’s crew was taking ‘disposal’ to a whole new level 😒 Absolute horror.

— Ahad Ali (@ahadli23) February 8, 2026

However, the publication notes that if Epstein intended to dispose of bodies, hydrofluoric acid would have been more effective. It is suggested that the sulfuric acid was likely intended for water desalination in reverse osmosis systems, which is one of its legitimate industrial uses.

If disposing of bodies, the preferred choice would be hydrofluoric acid. Sulfuric acid has legit uses in desalination R.O. systems, so it could be that?

— Chris Martenson (@chrismartenson) February 8, 2026

The question remains whether sulphuric acid can completely erase a human body, or if the portrayals in Hollywood movies are purely fictional. Forensic experts point out that although sulphuric acid is highly corrosive, it is not a "magic" solution that makes matter disappear instantly.

Speculation that sulphuric acid could be used to dissolve bodies isn’t entirely unfounded. Reports suggest it can liquefy bones and teeth.

According to Slate, John George Haigh, known as the "Acid Bath Murderer," used the chemical to dispose of at least six victims in the 1940s. He reportedly processed the bodies in a 45-gallon oil drum, and it took two days for them to dissolve completely.

On January 30, the US Department of Justice released over three million pages of documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s case, including numerous photographs of underage girls. 

Epstein had been charged with sexually abusing dozens of minors between 2002 and 2005, with victims reportedly as young as 14, brought to his New York residence and private island.

In August 2019, he was found semi-conscious in his jail cell and later died.

By Jeyhun Aghazada