British financier Simon Andris told the BBC how he had discovered, within a trove of government files, correspondence between the current US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Latnik, and Jeffrey Epstein. Andris passed this evidence on to US congressmen ahead of Latnik’s hearing in May. Latnik himself claims that he was unaware of Epstein’s involvement in their joint business until 2025. His department denies any wrongdoing.
Briefly about the main points
- A British whistleblower has found correspondence between Latnik and Epstein in US files.
- Latnik denies that he was aware of the business dealings with Epstein until 2025.
- The US Congress examined these facts at hearings in May.
- The photograph confirms that Latnik met Epstein in 2012.
- Latnika has not been charged with any crimes, but the Democrats are calling for his resignation.
How evidence of Latnik’s contacts with Epstein was found
Simon Andris, a former Wall Street executive, discovered in 3.5 million pages files, released by the US government, correspondence between by Howard Latnik і Jeffrey Epstein. In 2018, they discussed the prospects of the start-up Adfin, in which they had both invested. Andris used Latnik’s initials in his search, as Cantor Fitzgerald often used abbreviations in internal emails. He passed the emails he found on to members of the US House Oversight Committee.
Latnik’s reaction and that of US official bodies
Howard Latnik told Congress that he only became aware of Epstein’s investment in Adfin in 2025. At the hearings, he condemned Epstein’s actions and expressed his support for the victims. The US Department of Commerce described the allegations as politically motivated and emphasised that it had found no evidence of wrongdoing. Democrats in Congress, however, accused Latnik of giving false testimony and called for his resignation.
Latnik’s other contacts within Epstein’s circle
The documents also refer to an attempt by Cantor Fitzgerald in 2013 to reach an agreement with the then prince Andrew, using his connections to attract clients. According to the plan, the company was to provide the prince’s firm with a loan of £1 million in exchange for an exclusive partnership. Negotiations lasted four months, but the deal did not go ahead. Latnik also maintained friendly relations with Sarah Ferguson, the prince’s ex-wife.
The whistleblower’s position and the consequences for them
Simon Andris, who lives in Cornwall, has been embroiled in legal disputes with his former employers for years. He was dismissed following reports of financial irregularities, and BGC Partners subsequently paid a fine for shortcomings in its reporting. Andris received compensation as a whistleblower, but believes the companies have not been held fully accountable. BGC denies his allegations and states that it adheres to whistleblower protection policies. The company also maintains that Andris’s dismissal was linked to his refusal to follow medical advice, his failure to fulfil his duties and his resignation.
The political implications for Latnik
Although Latnik has not been formally charged with any crimes, the publication of his correspondence and photographs with Epstein is undermining his political standing. Following his appointment in 2025, he sold his shares in Cantor Fitzgerald and handed control of the company over to his sons. The controversy surrounding his explanations and the Democrats’ reaction highlight the high level of political tension surrounding the issue of his links to Epstein. How the situation develops will depend on political decisions in Washington and any new discoveries in the trove of files.
