Once owned by disgraced financier Epstein, Little St James Island in the Virgin Islands witnessed a disturbing past. Purchased in 1998 for a reported £6 million, Epstein turned it into a haven for his heinous activities, trafficking victims and creating a nightmarish place where escape seemed impossible.

Recruiters, including Ghislaine Maxwell, worked to lure young women for Epstein’s abuse on the island, where they were trapped without passports. The attorney-general of the US Virgin Islands described it as a hub for trafficking young women and underage girls.

Following Epstein’s death, the islands were on the market for over a year until Stephen Deckoff, founder of Black Diamond Capital Management, bought them last year for around £47 million. He plans to transform the area into a luxury resort, claiming no prior connection to Epstein or the islands before their sale.

However, recent aerial images reveal the current state of Little St James, showing neglect and disarray due to inadequate maintenance. The once meticulously altered landscape by Epstein, who cleared native vegetation and added extravagant features like palm trees, now appears unkempt.

Epstein’s extensive remodelling in 2007 expanded the compound significantly, introducing various amenities like cottages, pools, docks, and a peculiar ‘temple’ with a blue and white striped exterior, a golden dome, and statues. Initially speculated to serve dubious purposes, investigations suggested it was likely Epstein’s private study and music room.

The latest images show the ‘temple’ entirely whitewashed, devoid of its distinctive golden dome. Deckoff’s plans for a luxury resort aim to reshape the island’s narrative, moving away from its dark past toward a new chapter of development and rejuvenation.