Hunting the Hunters: Counter-Surveillance Operations

Before Palm Beach police executed their search warrant on Epstein's mansion, William Riley — a longtime Epstein associate — removed computers from the residence. Investigators later noted that the network "somehow found out" the raid was coming. No computers matching the expected inventory were recovered at the scene.

Federal prosecutor documented: "William Riley is the person who removed the computers from Mr. Epstein's house after Epstein or Roy Black somehow found out that a state search warrant was coming." Riley also investigated federal agents and "probably me during the investigation."

Phone records show that Sandy Berger — former National Security Advisor to President Clinton — called Epstein 18 days before the Palm Beach Police Department raid. When investigators arrived, the house had been described internally as "cleaned up." Berger's access to law enforcement intelligence channels has never been fully explained in public proceedings.

Sandy Berger called Epstein Oct 2, 2005. On Oct 20, 2005, Palm Beach Police executed their search warrant — but the house was "cleaned up." House Oversight Committee raised whether Berger warned Epstein.

Epstein's counter-surveillance extended to direct action: Epstein personally photographed a private investigator who was following him and circulated the image to staff. His team deployed their own PIs to monitor federal agents and prosecutors building the case. The tactic — surveillance of the surveyors — is documented in case files unsealed during the Maxwell proceedings.