DOJ Blocks Unredacted Epstein DEA File Amid Escalating Senate Democrats’ Probe
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has intervened to stop the release of an unredacted DEA memo.
Senator Ron Wyden disclosed the intervention in a March 18 letter to the Justice Department. The memorandum relates to a 2015 probe into Jeffrey Epstein and associates.
Document and probe overview
The disputed file spans 69 pages, according to Wyden. He says the memorandum is unclassified.
The memo documents a 2015 OCDETF inquiry called Operation “Chain Reaction.” That operation examined alleged drug trafficking, prostitution, and illicit financial activity.
Allegations and locations named
Wyden’s letter cites “illegitimate wire transfers” tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands and New York City. Reports also link the probe to alleged distribution of ecstasy, methamphetamine, and ketamine.
- Operation name: Chain Reaction (2015).
- Allegations: drug trafficking, prostitution, illicit financial activity.
- Drugs mentioned: ecstasy, methamphetamine, ketamine.
- Locations cited: U.S. Virgin Islands; New York City.
Congressional actions and related requests
Wyden says he formally sought the unredacted 69-page memorandum on February 25. He argues Congress has no reason to be denied the material.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse separately requested information about a related OCDETF operation. That operation is known as “Trip Knot” and pertains to money laundering and trafficking networks.
OCDETF status and context
OCDETF was a multi-agency task force aimed at targeting organized crime. The task force was dismantled in 2025.
Officials now face scrutiny over who authorized withholding the memo. Senators say the DOJ blocked an unredacted DEA file tied to Epstein as the Senate Democrats’ probe escalates.
Next steps and updates
The matter remains a developing story. Filmogaz.com will publish updates if more details emerge.
