Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous ‘paedo island’ finally sold to billionaire for HALF price – as he reveals plans for the site

JEFFREY Epstein’s infamous “paedophile island” off the coast of the U.S. Virgin Islands has been sold to a billionaire developer, who has big plans for the tropical islands. Stephen Deckoff bought the two islands for half price due to it’s sullied name – at a bargain price of only $60million – and plans to build a luxury resort. ReutersThe facilities have seen some horrors in the past[/caption] The Mega AgencyJeffrey went to the island often before his death[/caption] Bespoke Real EstateThe islands were sullied with Epstein’s name, but may now have a new lease on life[/caption] Part of the money Deckoff paid for the two luxury islands will be used to settle lawsuits and compensate victims of Epstein and his guests on the island. Deckoff, the founder of Black Diamond Capital Management, is hoping to convert the disgraced location into a resort with 25 rooms. The two islands, Little St. James and Great St. James, already have an eyewatering 230acres with a helipad, pools and several villas. Billionaire Epstein – who killed himself in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges – bought the island of Little St James more than two decades ago for $7.95million (£6million). In 2016, he added to his property empire by purchasing the 165-acre Great St James for a reported $18million (£14million) – but it was left largely untouched. Deckoff hopes to open the hotel in 2025, meaning he’ll get operations underway very soon. He said in a statement: “I’ve been proud to call the US Virgin Islands home for more than a decade and am tremendously pleased to be able to bring the area a world-class destination befitting its natural grace and beauty.” Deckoff is also a billionaire – estimated to be worth $3billion – but has claimed he has never met Epstein or set foot on the islands before the purchase. The beautiful location of the property is also the alleged location of countless sexual abuses of underage girls. Prince Andrew is alleged to have spent time on the idyllic island. Andrew has denied visiting Little Saint James in the US Virgin Islands, described by a lawyer for Epstein‘s victims as a “sex-trafficking palace”. A South African woman who stayed at the island, Sarah Ransome, said she was raped as many as three times a day over five months. “A shark would have been my best friend at that point. I didn’t even think about it—it was just, get me away,” Ransome previously said, according to the Daily Mail. The Mega AgencyGhislaine frequented the island and allegedly brought girls there[/caption] AlamyThey’re off the coast of St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands[/caption] AP:Associated PressThe island features a main villa fit with a helicopter pad[/caption]