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CASE FILEREF: ITAMAR-AREL
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Itamar Arel

CATEGORY:academicNATIONALITY:Israeli-AmericanBLACK BOOK:NoDOCUMENTS:1MENTIONS:0
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Case Notes

UT professor; developed Epstein-funded facial recognition tech; co-proposed 'robot toddler' project

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

Itamar Arel, a former University of Tennessee associate professor of computer science, engaged in a professional research collaboration with Jeffrey Epstein between 2009 and 2016. Arel discussed facial recognition technology and humanoid robots with Epstein, received research funding through the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation, and involved UT students in projects connected to this funding. There is no evidence in available sources of criminal charges, convictions, arrests, or civil liability against Arel. The available information indicates a professional relationship focused on AI research rather than any involvement in Epstein's criminal conduct or victimization.

Determination Timeline

CONTEXT ONLYrecorded Feb 25, 2026

Document References (0)

NO DOCUMENT EVIDENCE ON FILE.

Media Coverage (3)

Tyler Whetstone on X: New. Itamar Arel, a former @UTKnoxville professor met with Jeffrey Epstein in 2009

X (TWITTER)

Itamar Arel, a former UT Knoxville professor and expert in AI, met with Jeffrey Epstein in 2009 and requested funding for his AI research. It came a year after …

Former UT professor's emails with Epstein revealed in latest DOJ release

UT DAILY BEACON

Documents released by the Department of Justice Friday, Jan. 30, include emails between Jeffrey Epstein and former University of Tennessee professor. The emails…

Epstein files show former UT professor used students to develop AI tools for predatory billionaire

WUOT NEWS·Feb 5, 2026

A former University of Tennessee associate professor of computer science spent years sharing research with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Between 2009 …

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EPSTEIN INVESTIGATION // DOJ DOCUMENT RELEASESLAST STATUS CHECK: February 25, 2026