MC2 Model Management was a modeling agency co-founded in 2005 by French model scout Jean-Luc Brunel with substantial financial backing from Jeffrey Epstein. The agency operated offices in New York, Miami Beach, and Tel Aviv and became the subject of law enforcement investigations and civil litigation based on allegations that it served as a vehicle for recruiting and trafficking young women and girls for Epstein's sex trafficking operation. Internal JPMorgan Chase reports from 2011 stated that "MC2 Model Management and Jeffrey Epstein engaged in racketeering that involved luring in minor children for sexual play for money," and federal tax liens totaling nearly $600,000 were filed against the company between 2009 and 2010.
Founding and Ownership Structure#
MC2 Model Management was founded in October 2005 with offices in New York at 6 West 14th Street (later 90 Fifth Avenue), Miami Beach at 1674 Alton Road Suite 500, and Tel Aviv. The agency's name reportedly referenced Einstein's famous equation E=MC², with the "E" representing Epstein, though company principals publicly denied any Epstein involvement. According to a 2007 New York Post article, "industry speculation" held that Epstein was "a secret financial backer" who "reportedly gave 'millions' to start MC2." A model industry insider was quoted stating: "E equals MC squared . . . get it, like the equation? E equals Epstein. He just thinks everyone is too dumb to figure it out."
The official ownership structure listed Jean-Luc Brunel and Jeffrey Fuller as the sole two partners and owners. Jeffrey Fuller served as president of MC2, handling day-to-day operations and business management. In October 2007, Fuller publicly denied Epstein's involvement, stating: "Jeffrey Epstein has no ownership or involvement in our company and never has. Jean-Luc Brunel and I are the only two partners and owners of MC2 Model Management." Epstein's spokesman Howard Rubenstein similarly stated that Epstein "has no business relationship with them."
However, a JPMorgan Chase due diligence report from February 2011 confirmed that "MC2 Model Management received $1 million from Epstein in 2005," noting that "It is unknown if the money was given as a secret investment or payment for services as a procurer." This payment occurred in the same year MC2 was founded. Court documents filed in 2010 alleged that Brunel "received $1 million from Epstein in 2005, when he founded MC2 with his partner, Jeffrey Fuller," and that a former bookkeeper at the agency confirmed the payment.
Brunel's ownership stake in MC2 was substantial. According to media accounts documented in JPMorgan's due diligence materials, "Brunel isn't involved with the business on a day-to-day basis, although he owns an 85% stake in MC2." Instead, he "does scouting for [the] agency and takes care of the international relations with other agencies."
Business Operations#
MC2's stated business model involved scouting for young models internationally, particularly in Eastern Europe, South America, and Brazil, and bringing them to the United States for representation. The agency held scouting competitions targeting teenagers and maintained relationships with other modeling agencies worldwide. Brunel reportedly "discovered" Latvian editorial star Ginta Lapina via an MC2 scouting competition for young teens and the agency represented models including Liu Dan, Sessilee Lopez in Miami, and top models Candace Swanepoel, Marina Lynchuk, Natalia Chabanenko, and Elisa Sednaoui in Tel Aviv.
The archive documents extensive coordination between MC2 staff, Brunel, and Epstein regarding business operations, model travel, and financial matters. Staff members whose correspondence appears in the emails include:
- Jeffrey Fuller: President and co-owner, responsible for business operations and financial management. Fuller regularly corresponded with Epstein, Rich Kahn (Epstein's accountant), and Brunel about credit line payments, operational expenses, and staffing issues.
- Dominique Nameche: Listed as MC2 staff member who handled administrative matters including payments to attorneys and coordination with Epstein's accountant. Email signature indicated Miami Beach office address.
- Abi Schwinck: MC2 employee who communicated with models represented by the agency. An email from May 2010 shows Schwinck corresponding about photo shoots and client work.
- Louis Huynh: MC2 employee based in Miami who forwarded model information and scouting reports. A May 2009 email shows Huynh coordinating on Brazil scouting.
- Yas Garay: Listed with MC2 contact information in January 2010 email.
The agency employed between 6-10 people according to corporate records from 2009. Officers listed in corporate filings included Rob LaSalle (Controller), Fernandez Yobelin (Office Manager), and Scott Lipps (President), though Fuller appears to have been the primary executive managing operations.
Financial Relationship with Epstein#
The archive documents an extensive financial relationship between MC2 and Epstein that went far beyond the initial $1 million investment. Epstein provided MC2 with a substantial credit line facility that the agency struggled to repay over multiple years.
Credit Line and Debt Service
By 2009-2010, MC2 owed Epstein approximately $800,000 to $830,000 on a credit line, with the balance fluctuating as the agency made sporadic payments. An email from January 2010 shows Rich Kahn expressing concern to Fuller about MC2's ability to repay, noting that "The 2008 totals for Jean Luc scouting (including corporate car and apt) and petty cash was approximately 400,000. The first 6 months of 2009 showed that the number would be close to 400,000 again for 2009. These numbers seems astronomical based on your sales."
Fuller responded acknowledging the challenges, explaining that the agency faced "the economic downturn and the steps necessary to reposition ourselves to survive and meet our obligations." He noted cost-cutting measures: "Please note Jean Luc no longer has the house in Miami and I am no longer renting an apartment in NY both of which are substantial savings."
Email correspondence documents specific credit line balances and payment schedules:
- October 2010: Kahn asked Epstein "didwe reduce the mc2 line," to which Kahn responded "Yes to 800k"
- November 2010: Current balance was $784,000 with projected payments of $540,000
- June 2010: Balance stood at $824,598.24 after a $10,000 payment
- April 2010: Fuller indicated plans to pay down $20,000 per month
Fuller provided Kahn with detailed financial projections attempting to demonstrate how MC2 would achieve profitability and pay down the debt. A September 2009 memo projected that the agency would reach a $6.9 million consolidated gross billing for 2009 and had reduced operational expenses to achieve a $4.5 million dollar gross billing breakeven point for 2010. However, Kahn remained skeptical, writing in January 2010 that "It has been almost 2 years now that I have been hearing about changes that will occur and every year the company continues to lose money resulting in the credit line not being repaid."
The credit line facility was ultimately paid off by May 2014. An email from May 2014 shows Kahn forwarding "correspondence from bank that line of credit has been paid off" to Epstein.
Operating Expenses and Brunel's Personal Costs
A significant portion of MC2's expenses related to Brunel's personal scouting activities and living arrangements. Kahn's January 2010 analysis noted that "Jean Luc scouting (including corporate car and apt) and petty cash was approximately 400,000" in 2008, with similar amounts projected for 2009. These costs covered Brunel's international travel for model scouting, a corporate car, and apartment expenses in New York.
Brunel maintained an apartment in New York that appears to have been paid for by or through Epstein's financial structure. Email correspondence from April 2015 shows Dominique Nameche writing to Kahn that "Been told by our staff in New York that the maid has been refused to access the apartment. We acknowledge to move out on the 13th of February," suggesting the apartment access was being terminated. Additional emails from April 2015 show Kahn asking Epstein "is it all jean lucs furniture?" and coordinating with building staff about apartment access and furnishings.
Tax Issues
MC2 Model Management faced substantial tax problems that further complicated its financial situation. The JPMorgan due diligence report documented that "MC2 Model Management LLC has two outstanding federal tax liens totaling $593,789 ($443,728 + $150,061)." The first federal tax lien for $443,728 was filed on July 21, 2009 in Albany County, New York. The second lien for $150,061 was filed on November 22, 2010 in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York.
Email correspondence shows the tax issues created additional strain on MC2's finances. Fuller noted in January 2010 that the agency had "never been current on" Form 1042 tax obligations and was attempting to negotiate "the monthly payment to the IRS" while also servicing the credit line to Epstein. Kahn responded that "I do not think that the credit line should be the lowest priority coming after the form 1042 that you have never been current on and a pending irs agreement."
Bank Account and Wire Transfers
Evidence in the archive shows Epstein made wire transfers directly to MC2's accounts. Bank statements from November 2012 document a $25,000 Fedwire debit from Epstein's JPMorgan account payable to "Mc2 Model Management 90 Fifth Avenue New York NY." Additional 2014 wire transfer documentation shows an authorization for asset movement to "MC2 Model Management" from Epstein's Deutsche Bank account.
Evidence of Trafficking Connection#
Multiple sources documented allegations that MC2 served as more than a legitimate modeling agency, functioning instead as a vehicle for recruiting and trafficking young women and girls for Epstein's criminal operation.
Civil Complaint Allegations
A September 2010 civil complaint filed in federal court in Florida alleged that Epstein and his associates "deliberately engaged in a pattern of racketeering that involved luring minor children through MC2, mostly girls under the age of 17, to engage in sexual play for money." The complaint alleged that Brunel, along with Ghislaine Maxwell, Alfredo Rodriguez, and Sarah Kellen, participated in this scheme. The suit specifically named MC2 as the mechanism through which minors were lured.
The complaint further alleged that Epstein's associates "helped in this recruiting process by creating the impression that legitimate modeling opportunities were available for the minor females." This created a facade of legitimacy that enabled recruiters to approach young women and girls with promises of modeling careers.
Victim Statements
In September 2010, an attorney representing victims wrote to Epstein stating: "Various sources including several attorneys have mentioned that you promised some girls, who came to visit you at your home(s) and give you massages, modeling jobs at MC2 and Victoria's Secret. Is this true?" This indicates that promises of modeling work at MC2 and major fashion brands were used as inducements for victims.
JPMorgan Internal Reports
The most explicit official documentation of MC2's alleged role in trafficking comes from JPMorgan Chase's internal due diligence and compliance reviews. A March 2011 background investigation report prepared by JPMorgan's Global Security & Investigations unit stated: "MC2 Model Management and Jeffrey Epstein engaged in racketeering that involved luring in minor children for sexual play for money." The report further noted that MC2 Model Management's owner (Brunel) was "a frequent passenger on Epstein's private jet and often visited Epstein in jail."
This March 2011 report was part of JPMorgan's internal vetting of Epstein as a client and was reviewed by senior executives at the bank. The amended shareholder derivative complaint filed in 2023 alleges that despite this explicit internal report linking MC2 to child trafficking, JPMorgan continued banking Epstein for another two years.
The February 2011 JPMorgan due diligence report also documented that "Jean Luc Brunel, owner of MC2 Model Management and Jeffrey Epstein engaged in racketeering that involved luring in minor children for sexual play for money." The report noted that Brunel was "a frequent passenger on Epstein's private jet and often visited Epstein in jail."
FBI Investigation
Media reporting documented in JPMorgan's due diligence materials indicated FBI scrutiny of MC2. A July 2010 article reported that "The FBI is also investigating Epsteins friend Jean Luc Brunel, whose MC2 modeling agency allegedly appears to have been a source of young girls from overseas who ended up on Epsteins private jets."
A Gawker article from August 2010 provided additional detail, stating: "According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, an alleged victim said that Epstein, Maxwell, Brunel, Rodriguez, and 'deliberately engaged in a pattern of racketeering that involved luring minor children through MC2, mostly girls under the age of 17, to engage in sexual play for money.'" The article further reported that "The FBI investigated Epstein, and identified around 40 underaged victims. Sarnoff reports that the FBI is also investigating MC2 and Brunel for possibly engaging in child sex trafficking."
International Model Recruitment
Email correspondence in the archive documents MC2's role in coordinating international travel for young women. In October 2010, Brunel corresponded about arranging for a Ukrainian model to come to New York "on an invitation letter" through MC2, suggesting the agency provided visa sponsorship and immigration documentation for foreign nationals. An April 2009 email shows a model writing: "I ve been to MC2, thay are really happy that i m back! I ve fulfilled my visa application already and moving to the models apt tomorrow."
The pattern of bringing young women from abroad, providing visa sponsorship, and housing them in agency-controlled apartments created conditions that facilitated control over vulnerable individuals far from their home countries and support systems.
Regulatory Violations#
Beyond the criminal trafficking allegations, MC2 faced regulatory enforcement for basic licensing violations in Florida.
Unlicensed Talent Agent Citation
In September 2010, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted a sweep of Miami-Dade and Broward counties targeting unlicensed talent agents. MC2 Model Management was issued a citation for "acting as a talent agent without a license" at its Miami Beach location at 1674 Alton Road, Suite 500.
The States News Service release from September 16, 2010, stated: "Yesterday, Department of Business and Professional Regulations Division of Regulation investigators conducted a sweep of Dade and Broward counties for unlicensed talent agents. During the sweep, investigators visited talent agencies to check for proper licensure and issued two citations and one cease and desist notice to unlicensed talent agents." MC2 was among the agencies cited.
The violation indicated that MC2 was operating in Florida without proper state credentials, despite the agency's public positioning as a legitimate modeling business. Florida's Secretary Charlie Liem stated: "Talent agents play an important role for aspiring actors, singers and models, and it is important that they have the required education and credentials to navigate entertainment industry."
Legal Proceedings Mentioning MC2#
Civil Litigation
MC2 Model Management was referenced in multiple civil lawsuits filed by Epstein's victims. The September 2010 complaint filed by M.J. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida explicitly alleged that Epstein's criminal enterprise used MC2 to "luring minor children through MC2, mostly girls under the age of 17, to engage in sexual play for money."
The complaint described how Epstein's associates, including Brunel, "helped in this recruiting process by creating the impression that legitimate modeling opportunities were available for the minor females," using MC2 as the vehicle for this deception.
JPMorgan Litigation
MC2 featured prominently in the 2023 shareholder derivative litigation against JPMorgan Chase executives and board members for facilitating Epstein's crimes. The amended complaint cited JPMorgan's internal March 2011 report about MC2 and Epstein "engaged in racketeering that involved luring in minor children for sexual play for money" as evidence that the bank's senior leadership knew Epstein was using banking services to further a sex trafficking operation.
The complaint argued that despite this explicit internal documentation linking Epstein to child trafficking through MC2, JPMorgan's executives and board failed to terminate the banking relationship until 2013, and failed to file any Suspicious Activity Reports with regulators as required by federal anti-money laundering laws. This failure enabled Epstein to continue using JPMorgan accounts to make payments to "MC2 model management" and other entities connected to his criminal operation.
Relationship to Other Modeling Entities#
MC2 Model Management represented one component of a broader network of modeling-related entities connected to Epstein and his associates.
Comparison to Other Agencies
Faith Kates, co-founder of Next Model Management in New York, maintained a separate relationship with Epstein that differed significantly from MC2's structure. While Kates organized professional photo shoots for individuals in Epstein's social circle and vetted models at his request, there is no evidence in the archive that Next Model Management served as a vehicle for trafficking or that Kates had knowledge of Epstein's criminal conduct. The Faith Kates correspondence reflects what appears to be a professional service relationship between a legitimate modeling agent and a wealthy client, in contrast to MC2's documented entanglement with Epstein's criminal enterprise.
Brunel's Prior Agencies
Before MC2, Brunel had founded and operated Karin Models, another modeling agency that was the subject of controversy. A 1997 "60 Minutes" investigation featured allegations that Brunel took advantage of young models who were high on drugs, though Brunel denied the allegations. The pattern of allegations spanning multiple agencies over decades raises questions about whether Brunel's business model consistently created opportunities for exploitation.
Dissolution and Aftermath#
The archive provides limited information about MC2's ultimate closure, though the agency appears to have ceased operations or significantly scaled back by the mid-2010s. The May 2014 payoff of the credit line to Epstein may have coincided with or preceded the agency's wind-down.
Brunel remained connected to the modeling industry through scouting activities even after MC2's apparent closure. The Jean-Luc Brunel profile documents his continued correspondence with Epstein through 2015, though a significant dispute between them emerged during that period that required mediation by a mutual friend, Matthieu de Boisseson.
Brunel was arrested in France in December 2020 on charges including rape and sexual assault of minors, rape and sexual assault on a minor under 15, rape and sexual assault on a minor over 15, sexual harassment, criminal associations, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. He was found dead in his Paris prison cell on February 19, 2022, in an apparent suicide, ending the French criminal investigation before trial.
Criminal Statutes Implicated#
The documented evidence regarding MC2 Model Management implicates conduct potentially relevant to multiple federal criminal statutes:
The allegations that MC2 "engaged in racketeering that involved luring in minor children for sexual play for money" falls within the scope of 18 U.S.C. § 1591 (sex trafficking of children) and 18 U.S.C. § 1594 (general provisions related to sex trafficking). The use of promises of modeling work to induce victims to travel or engage in commercial sex acts constitutes prohibited means under the statute.
The coordination of international travel for models, combined with the allegation that MC2 served as "a source of young girls from overseas who ended up on Epsteins private jets," raises potential application of 18 U.S.C. § 2421 (transportation for illegal sexual activity) and 18 U.S.C. § 2423 (transportation of minors).
The sustained coordination between Epstein, Brunel, Fuller, and MC2 staff documented in the email archive, combined with Epstein's financial backing of the agency, falls within 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy to commit offense) and 18 U.S.C. § 2 (principals; aiding and abetting).
The use of MC2 as a purported legitimate business to facilitate criminal conduct while evading regulatory oversight potentially implicates 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (money laundering) and 18 U.S.C. § 1957 (engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity).