Spokesperson: US took Russian properties in hours, still can’t enter Epstein ranch

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has criticised the United States for its inability to gain access to the estate of convicted financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while Russian diplomatic properties were swiftly seized in 2016.

Writing on her Telegram channel, Zakharova contrasted Washington’s handling of Russian assets with the ongoing difficulties US congress members face in visiting Epstein’s ranch, where the financier and his associates reportedly committed crimes.

She recalled that under the Barack Obama administration, Russian country residences in Maryland and New York, as well as trade mission buildings and consulates in Washington, San Francisco, and Seattle, were confiscated immediately.

“The question of ‘access’ to the first two residences was resolved by the authorities within a day. Our staff and their families were forced to leave the US within 72 hours,” Zakharova said.

The spokesperson also cited a 2012 incident in Montana, when Russian officials attempting to visit an orphanage — amid reports of mistreatment of adopted Russian children — were prevented from entering beyond the threshold.

“Place your bets, gentlemen: will Congress members gain ‘access’ to Epstein’s ranch, or is this something else?” Zakharova concluded.

By Aghakazim Guliyev