German Countess's Epstein Connections Reach Heart of Westminster
Nicole Junkermann, the glamorous German countess and London-based technology investor, has stepped down from her position as a trustee of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity following revelations about her two-decade friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A substantial cache of newly released emails now indicates that the businesswoman may have served as a crucial link between the disgraced financier and some of Britain's most senior political figures at the very heart of Westminster.
Political Appointments and Epstein Introductions
The 50-year-old former model and entrepreneur successfully convinced then-Health Secretary Matt Hancock to appoint her to the government's influential Healthtech Advisory Board. This board was specifically tasked with creating a "culture of innovation" and guiding the government on its mission to transform technology within the NHS. A photograph from the board's inaugural meeting shows Junkermann standing directly behind Hancock, an image that has gained significant notoriety following the recent disclosures.
More alarmingly, the email correspondence reveals that Junkermann attempted to engineer a meeting between the predatory financier Epstein and former Prime Minister David Cameron. In a 2018 email, she wrote to Epstein: "I am hosting a lunch on the west coast in March for David Cameron would you like to join or anyone else who I should invite?" This demonstrates her ongoing efforts to facilitate connections between Epstein and the highest levels of British political power.
Two Decades of Troubling Correspondence
Hundreds of emails released by the United States Department of Justice suggest Epstein began corresponding with Junkermann in May 2009, merely two months after his release from prison where he served 13 months for soliciting sex from underage girls. However, a transcribed 2003 diary entry indicates their relationship began years earlier, with Junkermann writing: "I cannot sleep, I think about Jeffrey. There are few people in my life which I want to spend time with - he is one of them."
The correspondence reveals an increasingly intimate relationship, with Junkermann describing Epstein as "Mr Wonderful" in one message and referring to him as "baby" in others. By 2011, their exchanges had become remarkably personal, with Junkermann gushing in one email: "You make me smile, you are in my heart." In another message discussing an investment, she asked: "Daddy, How are u? Should I hedge now at 1.37 or wait? Kiss."
Professional Favors and Personal Discussions
The emails document how Epstein offered Junkermann professional opportunities, suggesting she could work for him "organizing the worlds most interesting people" and that she would be "very helpful to me." He arranged significant introductions for her, including to French banker Ariane de Rothschild and billionaire private equity tycoon Leon Black. Epstein also helped secure her nomination for the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders programme by obtaining a recommendation letter from former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.
Perhaps most disturbingly, the correspondence includes discussions about conceiving a child. In January 2013, Epstein wrote to Junkermann: "how would the baby thing work, what involvement would you need from me, I reflected on what is left to do that i have not already done …voila." She replied simply "Wow!" to which he responded, "Is that a code word?"
Continued Association Despite Marriage and Status
Despite marrying Italian Count Ferdinando Brachetti Peretti in 2017, becoming part of a wealthy dynasty controlling Italian energy giant API, Junkermann maintained her close association with Epstein. Justice Department files confirm she continued corresponding with the convicted paedophile and making introductions for him even after becoming a countess. Their communication persisted right up until Epstein's second arrest, with Junkermann writing to him in 2018 about the David Cameron lunch invitation.
Remarkably, just before Epstein was found dead in his prison cell in August 2019, Junkermann referenced a letter published in The New York Times defending him, writing: "Cross fingers it is just a wave and it goes away again….... bad timing on the whole Me Too."
Background and Business Success
Born in Düsseldorf in 1975, Junkermann is the only daughter of powerful German businessman Heinz Junkermann, who reportedly took her to board meetings from age 12. Raised in Marbella, Spain, she studied business administration at the International University of Monaco and attended Harvard Business School. She established herself in London's financial district, where her NJF Capital has invested in numerous technology companies including Owkin, an AI healthcare firm valued at over $1 billion that has secured deals with the NHS.
This business success likely explains how she came to the attention of Matt Hancock. The Healthtech Advisory Board she joined was specifically charged with "assisting in policy creation, challenging decision making and acting as a sounding board for new ideas" regarding NHS technology transformation.
Fallout and Current Status
The Epstein revelations have prompted significant consequences for Junkermann's professional standing. Beyond stepping down from the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity trusteeship, Lancaster University is reviewing her status as a visiting professor, and her LinkedIn profile has been taken down. The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises crucial funds for the specialist cancer centre that counts Prince William and Princess Kate as patrons and which treated the princess for cancer.
Through a spokesman, Junkermann has expressed that she "deeply regrets" her conversations with Epstein and feels she was "completely deceived and misled by him." The statement continued: "These conversations took place at a time when she was vulnerable, and she was manipulated into trusting him and consulting him with the most personal of matters. Nicole has been horrified to come to understand his true nature and the suffering he inflicted on women and girls through his abuse of trust, power, and manipulation."
The full extent of Junkermann's bond with Epstein only emerged when the complete treasure trove of evidence was released this month, revealing troubling connections between the disgraced financier and influential circles within British politics and society.
