U.S. Justice Dept says more than a million Epstein documents uncovered

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York informed DOJ about the documents, the agency said on X.

DOJ said it had "lawyers working around the clock to review and make the legally required redactions" and that the new information would be released "as soon as possible."

However it said given the sheer volume of the material, "this process may take a few more weeks."

It remained unclear how so many new documents suddenly came to light. The post also did not indicate when exactly the department had been informed about them.

By law, the DOJ was required to release the documents by last Friday, but so far only some have been made public and some have been heavily redacted.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused fellow New Yorker US President Donald Trump of engaging in "a massive coverup.

"The question Americans deserve answered is simple: WHAT are they hiding--and WHY?

"Justice delayed is justice denied. Release the files. Follow the law."

For years, multimillionaire Epstein, also a New Yorker, had operated an abuse ring that victimised dozens of young women and minors. Over several years, he is also said to have abused minors himself in New York and Florida, among other places.

In 2019, Epstein died in prison at the age of 66 before he could face further conviction. His death was ruled a suicide.

--BERNAMA-dpa