Jeffrey Epstein is widely believed to have been an intelligence asset, with multiple sources suggesting ties to the CIA dating back to at least 1983. Former State Department official Mike Benz stated that Epstein managed covert funds for the CIA’s chief operative involved in the Iran-Contra affair, specifically working as a financial fixer for Adnan Khashoggi, who handled Middle East covert arms deals. Former CIA officer John Kiriakou described Epstein as a "textbook example of an access agent," noting allegations that he may have worked for Israeli intelligence, a topic rarely discussed openly within the intelligence community. A 2001 Evening Standard article reported that Epstein himself claimed to have worked for the CIA, although he later denied this. A poll of over 131,000 respondents showed a 16-to-1 margin believing Epstein was a government intelligence asset, though the country or agency he worked for remains unclear. Discussions continue about the potential implications of Epstein’s intelligence connections, including speculation about blackmail operations involving various actors such as the CIA, Israeli intelligence, or other elements within the U.S. government.