Unsealed records from the U.S. Department of Justice have renewed scrutiny of lawyer Robert Amsterdam after documents revealed communications between his law firm and Jeffrey Epstein's office. The disclosures have drawn attention because of Amsterdam's prominent role in Armenia.
The issue centres on recently unsealed digital records published by the U.S. Department of Justice, which include 2016 communications involving international lawyer Robert Amsterdam, his law firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP, and the office of Jeffrey Epstein.
The documents have drawn renewed attention because of Amsterdam's prominent role in Armenia, where he represents Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, supports the Armenian Apostolic Church and is a vocal critic of the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Amsterdam has denied any personal or professional relationship with Epstein and has warned that he may pursue legal action against those making such claims.
The documents do not establish a personal relationship between Amsterdam and Epstein. However, they show documented communications involving Amsterdam, his firm and Epstein's office, including discussions about a proposed engagement.
According to the records, on 26 April 2016, an assistant to Epstein emailed him regarding a request from Amsterdam and his partner, Andrew Derkovic, for his direct contact details, which Epstein approved. On the same day, Epstein authorised Derkovic's inclusion in a scheduled meeting, with his staff coordinating arrangements with Amsterdam's office.
Following the meeting, Derkovic sent an email to Epstein, copying Amsterdam:
“Dear Jeffrey,
Pleasure meeting this afternoon.
As promised, attached is a proposed engagement letter for Mr. Wade Sr.'s signature.
Any questions?
Please let us know.
Best Regards,
Andy.”
Amsterdam has said the proposed retainer did not result in any formal professional relationship.
In comments reported by News.am, Amsterdam said the interaction was related to Senegalese politician Karim Wade, the son of former president Abdoulaye Wade.
"We never even offered our services to Mr. Epstein," Amsterdam said.
"Mr. Epstein, in the one meeting I had about an African client, did raise the possibility of me working for him. And I declined."
Karim Wade, a former minister, had been convicted on corruption charges and was later pardoned in 2016 following a high-profile political dispute.
Another communication cited in the records shows Amsterdam later reaching out directly to Epstein:
“Dear Jeffrey,
Hope you are well.
I am back in New York this Sunday through Tuesday.
If you think it is worthwhile, I would be happy to meet with you.
My very best,
Bob.”
The email was signed by Robert Amsterdam.
AnewZ contacted Amsterdam by email for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication. A phone number attributed to him also responded via WhatsApp, denying any personal involvement with Epstein and suggesting legal action could be pursued against those making such claims.
The matter has increasingly taken on political significance in Armenia, where Amsterdam's activities have drawn attention. Ruben Rubinyan, vice-president of Armenia's National Assembly, has publicly accused him of links to Epstein, a claim Amsterdam has rejected while warning of a potential US$10 million defamation lawsuit.
Amsterdam is currently representing businessman Samvel Karapetyan, who faces charges including tax evasion, money laundering, large-scale embezzlement and calls to seize power. Karapetyan denies the allegations and has also been named by the Strong Armenia movement as a potential prime ministerial candidate, although questions have arisen over residency and citizenship requirements.
Amsterdam has taken on a visible public role in Armenia beyond his legal representation. He has visited Yerevan, met Catholicos Karekin II and expressed support for detained church figures, including Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan.
In media interviews and social media posts, he has accused the Armenian government of political repression and targeting religious institutions, describing its actions as attacks on democracy and faith.
He has also been outspoken on regional issues, particularly the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. Amsterdam has criticised Azerbaijani authorities, called for the release of Armenian detainees in Baku and described their detention as a violation of international law.
He has further alleged ethnic cleansing in Karabakh, claims that Azerbaijani authorities reject, maintaining that detainees were lawfully arrested, charged and convicted under national legislation following legal proceedings.
While Amsterdam continues to deny any connection to Epstein, the publication of the communications and the broader political context have ensured that the issue remains part of an ongoing public and political debate.
The situation reflects the intersection of legal representation, international politics and reputation, as scrutiny of Amsterdam's past interactions coincides with his increasingly high-profile role in Armenia.
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