Fact check: Were there any financial transactions or business deals between Paolo Zampolli and Jeffrey Epstein?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, no direct evidence of financial transactions or business deals between Paolo Zampolli and Jeffrey Epstein has been found in any of the sources examined. However, all sources consistently confirm that Zampolli had established ties with both Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]}.

The sources reveal that Paolo Zampolli played a significant role in helping Melania Trump immigrate to the United States ^{[3] [1] [6]} and was instrumental in introducing Melania Trump to Donald Trump ^[2]. Notably, Zampolli has been serving as Trump's special representative for international partnerships since March 2025 ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several crucial pieces of context missing from the original question:

• Zampolli's involvement in the modeling industry: One source indicates that Zampolli used U.S. immigration loopholes to bring in young foreign models ^[7], which provides important context about his business operations and potential intersection with Epstein's activities.
• Epstein's financial involvement in modeling: The sources reveal that Epstein gave at least $1 million to Jean-Luc Brunel to expand his modeling operations ^[7], suggesting Epstein had significant financial interests in the modeling industry where Zampolli operated.
• The broader modeling industry connection: The relationship between Epstein and the modeling world appears to be more extensive than just personal connections, with one source describing "Modeling Was the Machine. Epstein Was Just the Middleman" ^[7].
• Recent political appointments: The fact that Zampolli currently holds an official position in the Trump administration ^[5] adds contemporary relevance to questions about his historical connections.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation, as it appropriately asks for verification of specific claims rather than asserting them as fact. However, the question's narrow focus on direct financial transactions may inadvertently obscure the broader pattern of connections revealed in the sources.

The analyses suggest that while no direct business deals between Zampolli and Epstein have been documented, both men operated in overlapping spheres - particularly the modeling industry - where Epstein had substantial financial investments ^[7] and Zampolli had significant operational influence through immigration facilitation ^[7]. This context suggests that the absence of documented direct transactions does not necessarily indicate the absence of any business relationship or mutual benefit.