John Catsimatidis

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

John Catsimatidis, a New York City billionaire and owner of the Manhattan grocery chain Gristedes, appeared in Jeffrey Epstein's previously unpublished 1997 address book. The book, obtained and authenticated by Business Insider, contained the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of 221 individuals who did not appear in Epstein's better-known later address book from the early 2000s. Catsimatidis explained the nature of his connection directly. He stated that he met Epstein through his friend Evangeline Gouletas, a real estate executive who shared office space with Epstein at the then-Helmsley Hotel building in the early 1990s. When introduced at Gouletas's office, Catsimatidis offered Epstein a seat on his upcoming private flight to Florida. Epstein subsequently sent a three-foot bottle of champagne as a gesture of thanks. Catsimatidis stated: "That was the last time I saw him. He called me once or twice, I don't know what about." No reporting, court record, or official source has linked Catsimatidis to Epstein's crimes in any way. He has not been investigated, charged, or sued in connection with the Epstein case. His appearance in the 1997 address book reflects a brief and incidental professional acquaintance rather than any substantive or ongoing relationship. Reporting on the address book explicitly noted that none of the individuals identified in it had been connected to Epstein's criminal conduct.