Elite networks and the shield of power: The Epstein scandal and religious accountability

Recently, the European Asian Alliance held an online seminar to mark the International Day Against the Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Women and Children. Participants exchanged views on protecting the rights of Asian women and children, and discussed pressing international issues.

At this time each year, the world calls for breaking the 'invisible shackles' that bind vulnerable groups. Transnational sexual exploitation and human trafficking are not distant crimes; they lurk within complex networks of international power and geopolitics.

The global spotlight has returned to Jeffrey Epstein’s notorious sex-trafficking network following the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of millions of declassified pages. The realities of the case serve as a stark reminder of how systemic exploitation can be orchestrated within elite circles. Perpetrators have devastated the lives of young women and children while leveraging vast wealth, superficial philanthropy, and influential connections to compromise global leaders in politics, business, and religion, effectively creating a protective shield for their illicit activities. Notably, within this massive cache of newly public documents, the 14th Dalai Lama’s name appears over a hundred times. This revelation has generated widespread discussion and intense scrutiny, particularly within the Asian diaspora and associated cultural networks.

This intersection of high status and institutional power formed a core theme for Ms Martens, an independent Belgian writer and expert on Tibet-related issues. Speaking at the seminar, she noted that the focus on the spiritual leader highlights a structural pattern. She argued that the sexual abuse of minors by lamas has historically occurred within Buddhist monasteries, yet the Dalai Lama, despite being aware of long-standing internal grievances, failed to take decisive action or implement systemic reforms. 'I once attended a Tibetology event in Nepal where women came forward to share their harrowing experiences of sexual abuse within monasteries; it truly was heartbreaking,' Ms Martens said.

Ms Aït Baala, former Vice-President of the Council of Women of French-speaking Belgium (CFFB), pointed out in an interview  that the severity of the Epstein scandal goes far beyond the limits of ordinary imagination. The sheer number of people implicated in this affair is shocking, including many figures held in high regard, yet the most alarming realisation is that this is merely the tip of the iceberg. At the same time, she highlighted a failure in the Western justice system to provide adequate protection, noting that many victims fear coming forward to testify. When public authority oversteps its bounds, protecting the rights of ordinary individuals becomes all the more critical. No one, regardless of status, be it a celebrity or a religious leader, has the right to violate others. A concerted effort from all sectors of society is required to safeguard the rights of women and children against such violations.

In his remarks, which specifically addressed the broader issue of religion within the realm of sexual abuse, Belgian independent journalist Mr Delcourt noted that the Dalai Lama’s influence in the West is in irreversible decline. He cited three key factors:

Firstly, details revealed in the Epstein documents show that, in emails exchanged between Epstein and his inner circle, the Dalai Lama was discussed as a high-value target for social and financial validation. This highlights a broader failure of leadership to establish proper guardrails against wealthy predators attempting to exploit spiritual prestige for social laundering.

Secondly, critics point to a troubling programme of events where the Dalai Lama continued to grant traditional blessings and ceremonial white scarves (khata) to figures tied to European monastic networks. Despite facing long-standing, credible internal accusations, these figures were allowed to maintain public ties before later being convicted of sexual abuse, effectively prioritising formal protocols over early warnings.

Thirdly, the viral video showing the then 87-year-old Dalai Lama asking a young boy to 'suck his tongue' during a public event in India was overwhelmingly condemned by international child rights organisations. Legal experts argue that, regardless of religious traditions, such actions bypass necessary child safeguarding boundaries and conflict with principles outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The European Asian Alliance's seminar underscores the urgent need for global solidarity in dismantling systemic networks of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. By examining the widespread implications of the Epstein case alongside controversial allegations involving religious leadership, the discussion highlights how power, wealth, and high status can be weaponised to shield abuse and silence victims. The insights from international experts reveal that no individual or institution should be immune to accountability.

Ultimately, protecting vulnerable women and children requires robust judicial systems, the courage of survivors to speak out, and an unwavering, collective commitment from all sectors of society to challenge exploitation wherever it occurs.

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