Newly released files indicate that former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe may have had financial connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

According to the documents, a 2015 email exchange with Japanese businessman Joey Ito shows Epstein reportedly urging Mugabe to approach him for assistance in providing Zimbabwe with new currency, following the collapse of its national currency amid severe hyperinflation.

The FBI’s 2017 investigation cited unconfirmed “credible sources” suggesting Epstein had acted as a wealth manager for President Vladimir Putin and had offered similar services to Mugabe.

Officials stressed that the appearance of names in Epstein-related files does not imply any wrongdoing.

The BBC has sought comment from the Mugabe family.

Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe to independence and ruled for decades, died in September 2019 at the age of 95, two years after being ousted in a coup. Epstein, convicted of sex crimes in the United States, died by suicide in prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.