In July 2023, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Senator Ron Wyden, initiated an investigation into billionaire Leon Black's financial transactions with Jeffrey Epstein. The probe focuses on payments totaling $158 million that Black made to Epstein between 2012 and 2017 for tax and estate planning services. The committee is scrutinizing whether these payments were legitimate compensation or if they should be classified as taxable gifts, potentially implicating Black in tax avoidance schemes The investigation has raised concerns about the nature of Black's financial dealings, including the use of complex trusts and structures that may have been designed to evade over $1 billion in future gift and estate taxes. Despite requests for information, Black has reportedly refused to provide documents or answer questions that could clarify the justification for Epstein's substantial compensation. This lack of transparency has intensified the committee's scrutiny, leading to further inquiries into Black's tax strategies and his relationship with Epstein. (commercial at 9:05) to contact me: [email protected] source: Lawmakers Question Bank of America About Leon Black’s Payments to Epstein - The New York Times (nytimes.com)