330 gallons of sulphuric acid, RO plant parts: What was delivered to Epstein’s island the day FBI probe began

Inside the Epstein files: 330 gallons of sulphuric acid delivered as FBI probe began

• Epstein bought 330 gallons of sulphuric acid on day FBI probe launched
• Documents suggest the acid was used for water purification, not illicit purposes
• Newly released DOJ files include millions of pages from Epstein's properties

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Recently released documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case have drawn attention to a large chemical purchase made for his private island on the same day the FBI launched a federal investigation into his alleged sex trafficking activities.

Receipts and internal emails contained in millions of files made public on January 30 show that six 55-gallon drums, totaling 330 gallons, of sulphuric acid were delivered to Little St. James, Epstein’s private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, on June 12, 2018. That date coincides with the opening of the FBI probe into Epstein’s trafficking network.

According to the receipt, the shipment included “x 6 55 gal drums sulphuric acid w/fuel and insurance charge for transport; materials for conductivity probes; replacement pH and cable – RO Plant – LSJ,” as reported by the Daily Mail. The total cost of the delivery was £4,373.

The timing and quantity of the purchase have triggered widespread speculation online, with social media users questioning whether the chemical could have been intended for illicit purposes. One user claimed: “One Epstein files email they requested 6 55-gallon drums of sulphuric acid, the only thing that is used for is to dissolve bodies.” No evidence has emerged to support such claims.

However, additional emails within the same document cache, including correspondence dating back to 2013, suggest a more routine explanation. Records indicate that sulphuric acid was used to maintain a reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system on the island. RO systems commonly rely on sulphuric acid to regulate pH levels, soften water and improve filtration efficiency.

Beyond references to water treatment and RO system maintenance, the documents do not outline any alternative purpose for the chemical purchase, leaving room for continued speculation but no confirmed wrongdoing related to the shipment.

Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. He had been denied bail and was already a registered sex offender following a prior conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The newly released files are part of a broader disclosure by the U.S. Department of Justice, which includes millions of pages of documents, emails, images and videos recovered from Epstein’s properties and electronic devices. Authorities have said more material may be released as reviews continue.