AtNight Investigates Posthumous Human Trafficking Channels Linked to Jeffrey Epstein
- One World
- Aug 1
- 29 min read
August 1, 2025 (FORT WORTH, TEXAS) – One World Society’s AtNight Creative Intelligence Division is announcing updates on its ongoing private intelligence inquiry into posthumous human trafficking channels allegedly linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein. This inquiry seeks to determine whether any trafficking networks or facilitation channels associated with Epstein’s operations continued or were reconstituted after his death in 2019. The effort is part of AtNight’s mission to eliminate uncertainty at its root by uncovering hard-to-find truths, leveraging open-source intelligence and expert analysis in the public interest. While AtNight is not a law enforcement agency, it coordinates closely with authorities by sharing any critical findings—all while maintaining the independent and ethical approach for which One World Society is known.
Important Note: No individual referenced in this notice is accused of a crime. This is an information-gathering initiative intended to shed light on unresolved questions from the Epstein case, not a criminal proceeding.
Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities and vast social network have been the subject of intense public scrutiny. Epstein died in federal custody in August 2019 under disputed circumstances, leaving many aspects of his international sex trafficking ring shrouded in mystery. In the years since, survivors of his abuse have continued to press for justice, transparency, and accountability from anyone who may have enabled or benefited from his crimes.
Advocates note that Epstein’s trafficking operation was facilitated by “many individuals,” involving complex logistics and cover-ups that extended beyond Epstein himself. His close associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 for her role in the abuse and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.
However, several other alleged accomplices effectively escaped prosecution due to a controversial 2007 non-prosecution agreement. That federal deal granted immunity to certain named “potential co-conspirators,” leaving them unindicted despite credible allegations and evidence of involvement. Among those granted immunity were Nadia Marcinkova (Marcinko), Sarah Kellen, Lesley Groff, and Adriana Ross—all former Epstein staff or associates identified by victims and investigators as having assisted his activities. Also of interest is Peter Listerman, a self-styled international model scout and “matchmaker” who has been alleged by multiple accounts to have procured young women for Epstein’s circle.
AtNight’s inquiry was launched to follow leads that remain unaddressed in the wake of Epstein’s death. Analysts are examining whether a network of facilitators or trafficking “pipelines” persisted beyond 2019, potentially repurposed by remaining associates or emulated by copycat actors.
Preliminary intelligence suggests that several elements of Epstein’s modus operandi—such as the use of private aviation, disposable “burner” phones, encrypted messaging platforms, and layered trusts or shell companies to obscure financial flows—may have been adopted by others. These hallmarks of clandestine operation raise concern that post-Epstein trafficking channels could continue to operate in the shadows unless thoroughly exposed.
The public interest in this matter is substantial. Understanding if—and how—such illicit channels survive the downfall of a notorious predator is essential to preventing future exploitation and ensuring that no perpetrator escapes accountability due to shifting public attention.
Seeking Information: Nadia Marcinko (Marcinkova)
One focal individual in AtNight’s effort is Nadia Marcinko (also known by her Slovak birth name, Nada Marcinkova). Marcinko, now 38, is a former close associate of Epstein who was once described as his live-in protégé and pilot. Brought to the United States by Epstein as a teenager in the early 2000s, she later obtained multiple pilot licenses (including a certification to fly a Boeing 747) and in 2011 founded Aviloop, a New York-based aviation branding and training company.
Marcinko was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in Epstein’s 2008 Florida plea deal (under the surname Marcinkova), a status which granted her immunity from prosecution for any related offenses. During civil depositions in 2010, she invoked her Fifth Amendment right repeatedly when questioned about Epstein’s activities and associations (including questions about Britain’s Prince Andrew). Notably, despite accusations by some victims that Marcinko at times procured young girls or even participated in abuse, she has never been charged with any crime. Marcinko has publicly reinvented herself in the years since, cultivating an image as a skilled aviator and entrepreneur – even earning the nickname “Gulfstream Girl” (later “Global Girl”) in aviation circles.
Marcinko’s recent whereabouts and activities have been a subject of considerable intrigue. In early 2024, following the public unsealing of Epstein-related court documents, she effectively vanished from the public eye. Media reports in January 2024 noted that Marcinko had not been seen at her known residences since those filings became public, fueling speculation that she had gone into seclusion. AtNight was able to locate and visually document Marcinko in the first quarter of 2024: she was last photographed between February and April 2024 in the remote Mill Brook Ridge region of upstate New York. This area – part of the Catskill Mountains’ Balsam Lake Wild Forest – is characterized by rugged, thickly wooded terrain and very sparse human presence.
Mill Brook Ridge is known among conservationists as one of the least developed pockets of the Catskills, showing “the fewest signs of human disturbance” in the region. The landscape comprises steep forested ridges and isolated valleys with limited access, dotted only occasionally by private trails or off-grid cabins. Such a locale would be consistent with an effort to avoid public contact or surveillance. Marcinko’s choice to remain in this rugged, low-traffic environment during that period aligns with reports of her elusiveness and suggests a deliberate effort to stay off the radar.
After several months of limited visibility, Marcinko has re-emerged in the New York metropolitan area. On July 23, 2025, AtNight operatives established direct phone contact with Ms. Marcinko, confirming she was present in New York City and willing to engage in a brief conversation. While the details of that conversation remain confidential, its significance lies in verifying that Marcinko is alive, in the country, and aware of the ongoing inquiry. According to information gathered by AtNight, Marcinko now divides her time between Manhattan, NY, and Wyckoff, New Jersey (07481).
In Manhattan, she is reportedly involved in a new private aviation venture while continuing to helm Aviloop, the aviation marketing firm she founded and still officially leads. Aviloop’s corporate address has long been linked to an Epstein-owned Manhattan property, and it remains under scrutiny as part of examining Marcinko’s business dealings. Her New Jersey connection appears to be personal ties to the quiet region of Wyckoff – an affluent suburban area – where she has family or close associates. Marcinko’s ability to live relatively openly in these communities, despite her history, underscores the delicate balance AtNight must strike: pursuing the truth behind her activities without infringing on her rights or safety. It must be emphasized that Ms. Marcinko is not accused of any crime; AtNight’s interest in her is due to her unique insight into Epstein’s operations and the possibility that she could help identify any lingering networks or methods that survived Epstein’s demise.
Seeking Information: Sarah Kellen (aka Sarah Kensington or Sarah Kellen Vickers)
Sarah Kellen, 45, is another subject of examination in AtNight’s inquiry due to her prominent role in Epstein’s scheme and the unanswered questions surrounding her. Kellen is an American former assistant to Epstein who victims say served as one of his primary schedulers and recruiters. For nearly a decade (approximately 2002–2012), Kellen managed Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion where she allegedly coordinated a constant stream of underage girls under the guise of arranging “massages.” According to lawsuits, witness testimony, and police evidence, Kellen maintained lists of teen girls, called them to schedule visits, greeted and escorted them to Epstein’s rooms, and even set out oils and towels in preparation for abuse. One Palm Beach police affidavit in 2007 explicitly alleged that Kellen “coordinated and aided in the recruitment of minors” for Epstein – going so far as to “schedule said minors to return… secure their appointments for the purpose of sexual activity… and arrange the bedroom” for these encounters. Multiple survivors, including Courtney Wild and “Carolyn,” have named Kellen as a key facilitator who made Epstein’s abuse possible on a systematic scale. In fact, during a 2005 police raid, message pads and phone logs were found showing Kellen’s handwriting alongside the names of numerous teen girls and notes about confirming their “work” appointments with Epstein.
Despite this extensive evidence, Kellen has never been charged with a crime. She was one of the four women granted immunity as potential co-conspirators under Epstein’s controversial 2007 plea deal, which effectively shielded her from prosecution in that Florida case. Law enforcement did consider her culpable at the time – police sought an arrest warrant for Kellen back in 2006, but the state attorney’s office declined to prosecute, citing the federal NPA and other factors. Years later, Kellen’s continued liability came into focus at the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell. In June 2022, U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan (while sentencing Maxwell) pointedly described Sarah Kellen as “a knowing participant in the [Epstein] criminal conspiracy” and “a criminally responsible participant” in the abuse. The judge noted that Kellen effectively took over many of Maxwell’s duties in the latter years of Epstein’s operation. Yet, to date, prosecutors have not indicted Kellen – a point of frustration for many victims. Kellen, for her part, portrays herself as another one of Epstein’s victims. After Epstein’s 2019 death, her representatives issued statements claiming that Epstein sexually and psychologically abused Kellen for years, starting when she was a vulnerable 22-year-old who had just been cast out of her Jehovah’s Witness community. Kellen admits she managed Epstein’s appointments and travel, but insists she “never recruited young girls” and was essentially brainwashed by Epstein and Maxwell. (Many survivors strongly dispute Kellen’s self-portrayal as innocent; as survivor Courtney Wild bluntly put it, Kellen was an adult who “repeatedly made the wrong decision” by aiding Epstein.)
Today, Sarah Kellen remains a figure shrouded in secrecy. Now living under her married name, Sarah Vickers, she has kept an extremely low profile in the years following Epstein’s re-arrest. Kellen married NASCAR driver Brian Vickers in 2013 and attempted to reinvent herself under the alias “Sarah Kensington,” running a supposed interior design firm (SLK Designs) that, curiously, operated out of a Manhattan building largely owned by Epstein’s brother. Marcinko also operates out of the same properties. Press investigations in 2015 revealed that connection, linking “Kensington” back to Kellen and Epstein’s orbit, which prompted Kellen to retreat further from public view. From 2015 onward, she and Vickers lived quietly – splitting time between a SoHo loft in New York and, later, a luxury condo in Miami Beach. Property records show that in August 2021, Kellen (as Sarah Vickers) purchased a one-bedroom oceanfront condominium in Miami for $6.3 million. That residence was the target of multiple attempted subpoenas in 2023 when the U.S. Virgin Islands attorneys sought Kellen’s testimony in their civil suit against JPMorgan (related to Epstein’s finances). Process servers tried and failed four times to reach her in person, illustrating her success in evading unwanted attention. In April 2025, Brian Vickers publicly announced that he and Kellen are divorcing after 10 years of marriage. The split was amicably framed, but it marked Kellen’s name returning to news headlines – often with reminders that she was Epstein’s alleged “recruiter” who has yet to face charges. The split was amicably handled, but it brought Kellen’s name back into the news spotlight. When approached by Atnight, Kellen’s family, particularly her parents, expressed their belief that she will be charged in connection with Epstein due to her “role as a lieutenant”.
AtNight’s efforts regards Kellen as a crucial potential witness to the inner workings of Epstein’s network. Given her tenure as Epstein’s “lieutenant” (second only to Maxwell in running day-to-day operations), Kellen possesses firsthand knowledge of how Epstein’s trafficking scheme was organized, funded, and concealed. She could potentially identify other players or confirm whether any residual activity persisted after Epstein’s 2019 demise. However, Kellen has remained largely unresponsive to inquiries. On July 25, 2025, AtNight analysts reached out to Ms. Kellen via a third-party intermediary to request an informational meeting. Kellen did not directly respond and has so far kept her silence, maintaining the same secrecy that has defined her post-Epstein life. Notably, she did not engage legal counsel to reply on her behalf; instead, she simply declined to engage. This stands in contrast to several other individuals connected to our inquiry who, upon being contacted, immediately “lawyered up.” In one instance, an alleged co-conspirator referred our team to speak with his attorney, but when that attorney was approached, he in turn hired his own attorney before answering any questions – a striking measure that effectively stalled the conversation. This pattern of evasiveness and legal deflection underscores the challenges facing investigators pursuing the full truth behind Epstein’s network. AtNight reiterates that Ms. Kellen is not accused of any wrongdoing by us. Our sole aim is to obtain information she may hold that can illuminate whether any trafficking channels or accomplices linked to Epstein remain active. We will continue to seek her voluntary cooperation through appropriate, respectful avenues.
Seeking Information: Peter Listerman (right) and Leon Karatygin
Seeking Information: Peter Listerman
Peter Listerman, 67, is a third individual of keen interest in AtNight’s inquiry, representing the international dimension of Epstein’s alleged supply chain. Listerman is a Ukrainian-born, Russian-based “matchmaker” who for decades has made a business of connecting wealthy men with young, model-like women from Eastern Europe. In Russian media, Listerman is a notorious figure—openly bragging on talk shows about introducing oligarchs and celebrities to underage beauty pageant contestants, all while coyly insisting, “I’m not a pimp, just a matchmaker.” He has been known to use crude terms to describe the women he offers, calling them “chickens” or “heifers” and referring to them as his “shaggy gold” (a crass allusion to pubic hair). By his account, Listerman has arranged “relationships” or transactions for everyone from Russian billionaires to international sports stars (claims that are often unverified). What is abundantly clear is that Listerman operates in the shadows of the global elite, procuring girls and young women under the pretext of high-end dating or modeling opportunities.
Multiple reports have linked Listerman to Jeffrey Epstein’s circle, suggesting he may have been a foreign pipeline for Epstein’s supply of victims. In 2016, Page Six (the New York Post’s society gossip column) reported that Epstein – by then a registered sex offender – was no longer trolling local high schools for girls but instead “importing his playmates from Russia.” The item explicitly identified “a Russian ‘procurer’ named Peter Listerman” as supplying Epstein, noting that Listerman had been spotted at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse. Listerman himself had mentioned in a televised interview that he introduced “many oligarchs” to models, and Epstein appeared to be availing himself of that service. Fast forward to July 2019, when Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges: journalists seeking comment from Listerman found him “running scared.” At a film festival in Odessa, Ukraine – a hotspot for models and beauty queens – reporters approached Listerman about Epstein. He first quipped that he “invented myths and fairy tales to entertain people,” but when pressed about funneling teen models to Epstein, Listerman abruptly cut off the conversation and blocked the reporter on Instagram and Facebook. His evasive reaction at the mere mention of Epstein strongly implied a guilty conscience. Anna Nemtsova, a veteran Russian journalist, wrote that Listerman has been trawling beauty contests and model castings for years, always on the hunt for fresh faces to offer his rich clients. Legitimate pageant organizers in Russia and Ukraine treat him as persona non grata – akin to a “contagious infection” – and have literally barred him from events (for example, he was refused entry to the Miss Russia 2019 pageant). Yet Listerman finds ways to lurk on the margins, often contacting contestants through social media if he cannot approach them in person.
Survivor accounts illustrate how Listerman’s operations blur the line between consensual arrangements and outright trafficking. One particularly illuminating story is that of Kristina Goncharova, a Ukrainian model who won the title of Miss Teen Ukraine 2010. Goncharova was only 14 when Listerman first reached out to her with a casual “Hey, beautiful” message. Over the ensuing years, Listerman sent her periodic private messages calling her “future bride” or “bride-to-be,” and asking if she’d like to meet wealthy men – all while she was still underage. Goncharova told The Daily Beast that she had “enough of a brain” to turn Listerman down as a minor, but she knows many young models who did not. Listerman entices these girls with promises of an extravagant lifestyle and far more money than they could earn in legitimate modeling jobs (he dangled sums vastly higher than the ~$300 a day a working model in Europe might make). Tatiana Savchenko, who runs a top modeling school in Odessa, recalled how Listerman would prowl around her events and approach her teenage students backstage, saying “I have a client for you!”
“It took a lot of work to keep him from tricking our teen models into his traps,” Savchenko said, emphasizing that what Listerman offers is not truly about marriage or legitimate careers. In Savchenko’s words, “Listerman’s business is surely not just about marriage—we know there is an international market of models being supplied as escorts around casinos, yachts, and resorts.” In other words, Listerman has been a key player in the global commodification of young women, tapping into a pipeline of vulnerable Eastern European youth dreaming of fame or fortune, and redirecting them into sexual exploitation for high-paying clients.
AtNight’s effort treats Peter Listerman as a person of significant interest, particularly in exploring transnational trafficking pipelines. The concern is that while Epstein is gone, figures like Listerman may still be actively facilitating the kind of abuse Epstein was infamous for – effectively picking up where he left off, with other wealthy predators. Listerman operates largely outside U.S. jurisdiction, primarily in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states. Notably, he has never been criminally charged in those countries for his “matchmaking” activities; he appears to enjoy a degree of impunity, possibly protected by the powerful men he serves or tolerated by authorities in a milieu where his conduct is seen as morally dubious but not strictly illegal. This makes him elusive. Since July 17, 2025, AtNight has made multiple attempts to speak with Mr. Listerman regarding these allegations and his possible links to any post-Epstein network. He has not responded to our inquiries. Listerman remains as slippery as ever: journalists we consulted affirm that while he will boast openly in Russian forums, he categorically avoids any dialogue that could subject him to U.S. legal scrutiny. We have intelligence indicating that Listerman continues to travel extensively and was recently spotted alongside an associate (identified by us as “John Doe 1” later confirmed to be Leon Karatygin) at children’s and teen beauty pageants on multiple continents. The presence of Listerman and this associate at events featuring minors is alarming and reinforces the need to determine if they are recruiting for a new generation of exploiters. Again, we stress that Listerman has not been charged with a crime by any jurisdiction in connection with Epstein. Our focus on him is driven by credible information tying him to the same pattern of behavior and by photographic evidence placing him in contexts that mirror his past modus operandi. AtNight will continue to monitor Listerman’s international activities and will share any pertinent findings with the appropriate authorities in the interest of protecting at-risk youth.
Seeking Information: Leon Karatygin
Leonid Karatygin is best known as the founder of two beauty pageant franchises: Miss Siberia and Miss Eurasia. In the early 2000s, he launched Miss Siberia as a regional modeling contest based in Tomsk, Russia. By 2004, Miss Siberia had quickly grown into a notable Siberian pageant – Karatygin boasted it was not “just a defilé of beauties, but an eccentric theatrical show” and even attracted foreign sponsors to cover contestants’ travel and lodging. Miss Siberia became an annual open competition drawing winners of local contests from across Russia and neighboring countries (e.g. Kazakhstan), competing for the title of Siberia’s top beauty. Karatygin often staged the finals in Tomsk’s trendiest venues and entwined them with elaborate entertainment programs. For example, the 2008 Miss Siberia finals spanned multiple themed events (Best Smile, Miss Talent, Miss Bikini, etc.) over a week of parties. Notably, the 2008 pageant doubled as Karatygin’s own wedding celebration – with the final competition held one day after his marriage to Olga Zarubina (herself a pageant winner).
Miss Eurasia, Karatygin’s flagship international pageant, was inaugurated in 2005. The debut Miss Eurasia contest was held in Astana, Kazakhstan, and even received personal patronage from Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Karatygin later described Nazarbayev as the “godfather” of Miss Eurasia, given his early endorsement of the project. The first winner (2005) hailed from Kyrgyzstan, and in subsequent years, the title was won by contestants from across Eurasia – including Uzbekistan, Russia (even specific regions like Yakutia and Siberia), Kazakhstan, Hungary, Israel, Ukraine, China, Turkey, and others. In 2009, Karatygin relocated Miss Eurasia’s headquarters to Antalya, Turkey, making that resort city the pageant’s home base. From 2009 onward, Miss Eurasia finals were hosted on the luxurious stages of five-star hotels in Antalya (and occasionally Istanbul), leveraging the Mediterranean locale to attract tourism and media attention. Karatygin himself moved to Antalya permanently around this time, citing the appeal of “sea, sun, and tranquility” over Moscow’s hustle. Under his direction, Miss Eurasia gained a reputation (at least in his own marketing) as a top-tier beauty contest: Karatygin frequently claims it ranks “in the Top-10 world beauty contests” by quality of contestants, prize pool, and career opportunities for winners. The pageant also expanded its scope to include a Mrs. Eurasia category for married women, sometimes branded as “Queen of Eurasia.” By 2017, Karatygin partnered with the Eurasian Economic Cooperation Organization to give Miss Eurasia a more official stature – hosting business forums and naming titleholders as “Tourism Goodwill Ambassadors” for their countries. After nearly a decade and a half based in Turkey, Miss Eurasia held its first-ever finals back in Russia in 2024, when Karatygin brought the contest to Moscow in collaboration with a Russian partner (Ekaterina Ladochkina, a former Mrs. Eurasia contestant). The pageant’s international reach and survivability are notable: as of 2025, Miss Eurasia marked its 20th anniversary, having been held every year without interruption.
Business Entities and Affiliations
Karatygin operates a network of companies and brands intertwined with his pageants and model-scouting activities. He styles himself as President of the “Eurasia Stars Empire,” an umbrella organization based in Antalya that encompasses Miss Eurasia and related ventures. According to the Miss Eurasia official site, Karatygin is also President of Eurasia Group Ltd., presumably the formal corporate entity behind the pageant. (Public records of Eurasia Group Ltd.’s registration are not readily available in open sources, but the “Ltd” suggests an international or offshore incorporation.) Within Russia, Karatygin earlier ran the Russian National Modeling Agency “Miss Siberia” – essentially his modeling school and agency which by 2004 had branches in multiple cities: Moscow, Barnaul, as well as offices in Antalya and Istanbul. This indicates he established an international pipeline for models by the mid-2000s, linking Siberia to Turkey’s booming modeling circuit. In interviews, Karatygin explained that many Russian models find work in Turkey and Asia and emphasized his agency’s overseas connections (for example, partnering with Turkish tour companies and Asian fashion agencies at his events).
Over the years, Karatygin has launched or acquired numerous pageant titles and “brands.” In a 2024 interview, he revealed he owns “12 major event and contest brands, including Best Children of Eurasia and Best Family of Eurasia.” The Best Children of Eurasia contest implies a pageant/talent show for children, showing Karatygin’s reach extends into underage pageantry. (This appears to be an evolution of his earlier “Little Beauty” children’s contests in Tomsk.) He has also been involved in sending Siberian winners to international contests – for example, Miss Siberia winners often went on to compete in global pageants like Miss Tourism World or Miss Global Beauty Queen. Notably, Karatygin’s own wife, Olga Zarubina, was one such contestant: she held the title Miss Tourism Queen International 2007, and her association with his agency helped raise Miss Siberia’s profile. Karatygin has shown a somewhat mercenary approach to pageant franchising: when accused in 2006 of running an unlicensed “Little Beauty” children’s pageant in Tomsk, he responded that licenses are just paperwork and that “if you pay the fee, any girl can participate in the national finals” – essentially admitting that entry to bigger pageants could be bought. He even quipped to the press that he could sell the journalist a license to run a pageant like “Miss Tomsk” or “Little Beauty” if they wanted. This candid remark suggests that some of Karatygin’s business entities might be shell arrangements or informal franchises, where his organization either purchases rights to send contestants to international pageants or simply uses his own titles without official sanction, monetizing the ambition of young models and sponsors. Indeed, Karatygin’s model agency business model seems to rely on a mix of sponsorships, entry fees, and possibly licensing deals to sustain the pageants.
It is also worth noting that Karatygin’s Eurasia Stars Empire has partnered with various sponsors across entertainment, tourism, and beauty industries. For example, in recent Miss Eurasia editions, he’s collaborated with tourism boards, cosmetics companies, and even government-affiliated cultural organizations. Such partnerships give his contests a sheen of legitimacy and funding. However, the corporate structure behind these ventures often leads back to Karatygin himself and a close-knit circle. His wife, Olga Karatygina (Zarubina), is listed as the “Jury Coordinator” of Miss Eurasia, based in Antalya, and Anastasya Paveljeva (Istanbul-based) is noted as a Producer for Eurasia Group Ltd – indicating that family members or long-time associates hold key roles. In summary, Karatygin has built a small beauty-pageant empire spanning Russia and Turkey, comprised of multiple contests and agencies. While some components (like the Miss Eurasia pageant itself) are high-profile and well-publicized, other affiliated companies are less transparent, potentially functioning as fronts to recruit young women under the guise of modeling competitions.
Ties to Peter Listerman and Pageant Appearances Together
One striking aspect of Karatygin’s network is his association with Peter Listerman, a controversial figure known in ex-Soviet circles as a “VIP matchmaker.” Listerman (a Ukrainian-born promoter) has made a career out of brokering introductions between young models or beauty queens and wealthy older men – essentially a high-end matchmaking service that’s been the subject of tabloid gossip for decades. Publicly, Karatygin and Listerman have crossed paths frequently at beauty contests and social events. In fact, Listerman has been a guest of honor and even an emcee at Karatygin’s pageants. For example, during the Miss Siberia 2008 program, Listerman was advertised as a “special guest” with his trademark show “Красавицы и Чудовище” (“Beauties and the Beast”) on the event lineup. He performed on-stage at the Miss Siberia pre-party on October 3, 2008, and attendees were invited to a “bachelor party” show dedicated to Karatygin’s upcoming wedding where Listerman presumably entertained the crowd. The next day, October 4, 2008, was Karatygin’s wedding – and none other than Petr Listerman served as the toastmaster (MC) for the ceremony and reception. (Listerman’s emceeing was apparently lackluster – possibly because the date happened to be his own birthday – prompting Karatygin to grab the microphone to liven up his wedding party.) Photographic evidence from that era shows Karatygin and Listerman side by side amidst young contestants. For instance, at a Miss Siberia event, Karatygin (left) and Listerman (right) were photographed together backstage surrounded by pageant finalists, both men smiling as they presided over a room of teens in sashes. Listerman, wearing a headset microphone in the image, was likely helping host or judge the contest. Such images underscore how closely Karatygin worked with Listerman in the pageant scene.
Beyond Siberia, Karatygin’s and Listerman’s association appears to extend internationally. Both have been spotted at model gatherings in places like Antalya and Kyiv, though specific documented instances are sparse in open media. Listerman’s own modus operandi often involves touring beauty pageants across Eastern Europe and Turkey to find new faces for his client roster, and Karatygin’s contests would be a natural hunting ground. In 2009, as Karatygin settled in Turkey, he remained in contact with Russian nightlife promoters – one Russian gossip report from that time facetiously nicknamed Listerman “the bespectacled one” and noted his Beauty and the Beast show’s appearance in Turkey. It is likely that Listerman’s presence at Miss Eurasia (after it moved to Antalya) was welcomed, given their earlier camaraderie. Indeed, Listerman has publicly referred to himself as a friend of Karatygin; a Tomsk news piece about Karatygin’s wedding even calls Listerman Karatygin’s “closest friend” (he was shocked, joking that “the billionaires’ dream girl [Zarubina] got married” to Leonid).
The significance of Karatygin’s link with Listerman cannot be overstated: Listerman is a notorious figure when it comes to the intersection of modeling and sexual exploitation. He has openly bragged about arranging dates between oligarchs and beauty queens, and has been rumored to run what amounts to “grooming schools” for young models in Moscow. That Karatygin consistently partnered with Listerman suggests a shared interest in the business of attractive young women. It blurs the line between legitimate pageantry and the darker “VIP escort” scene. Listerman’s reputation even extends to Western scrutiny; there are claims that he once tried to offer teenage models to visiting Hollywood celebrities and that he has “ties to Epstein” (though concrete evidence of Listerman directly supplying girls to Jeffrey Epstein has not surfaced in mainstream media). Nonetheless, the pair’s appearances together at events in Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and beyond have raised eyebrows. Intelligence analysts are keen to determine whether Karatygin and Listerman have been jointly operating an international recruiting ring under the veneer of beauty contests.
Alleged Connections to Jeffrey Epstein’s Network
No public, direct link between Leonid Karatygin and the late Jeffrey Epstein has been confirmed in journalism or court documents. Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring was largely U.S.- and Western-centric, whereas Karatygin’s realm is the Eurasian pageant circuit. However, the patterns and associations in Karatygin’s career bear an uncanny resemblance to the methods used by Epstein’s network – and some allegations have begun to surface suggesting Karatygin might be part of a post-Epstein trafficking operation.
In other words, it is alleged that the duo uses pageant events or resort photoshoots as opportunities to gather explicit photographs of underage girls – material that could be used to entice or blackmail. The same intelligence ties Peter Listerman to Epstein, stating that Listerman has documented connections to Epstein and runs “grooming ‘academies’ in Moscow” for minors. By extension, it paints Karatygin as Listerman’s colleague in orchestrating a supply of Eastern European teens to wealthy clients globally.
It’s crucial to emphasize that these claims are unverified allegations, lacking official charges as of 2025. They seem to originate from private investigators and anti-trafficking activists who have pieced together circumstantial evidence. The mention of Nadia Marcinkova (also known as Nada Marcinkova or Nadia Marcinko) and Sarah Kellen Vickers – both of whom were close associates of Epstein involved in procuring or managing young girls – suggests that Epstein’s former collaborators might be monitored for any new activities. The inclusion of Karatygin’s photo alongside these figures implies some observational or intelligence-based connection, possibly indicating that he has been seen in the same locations or with the same circles as Marcinkova or Listerman. For instance, Marcinkova, an FAA-licensed pilot, flew Epstein’s planes. If she or others have traveled to Turkey or Russia (areas where Karatygin works), it would undoubtedly raise suspicions of a coordinated operation.
Publicly, Karatygin denies any wrongdoing and in fact preemptively refuted the idea that his modeling business overlaps with sex trafficking. In a 2004 Russian interview, he addressed the “myth” that modeling agencies force girls into prostitution: “If a girl starts doing that [prostitution], she not only compromises herself but the agency – we lose any chance at good contracts… I am against prostitution in any form.” He pointed out that in countries like Turkey, contracts for Russian models explicitly state “sex is forbidden” and argued that girls are actually safer working abroad than at home in Tomsk. Of course, such statements were meant to reassure parents and critics at the time. With hindsight, they read as PR defense against exactly the kind of allegations now surfacing. Despite Karatygin’s claims that “no one confiscates passports” and that any girl could go to the police if pressured to have sex, the persistent rumors of forced liaisons in the modeling world cast a shadow on his contests. It’s noteworthy that by 2009, even as Karatygin was building Miss Eurasia in Antalya, he got entangled in a peculiar scandal – he was accused of stealing a nightclub owner’s purse containing thousands in cash (he said it was a misunderstanding). While unrelated to trafficking, that incident contributed to an image of Karatygin as a dubious character in local media. There were also tensions with established pageant organizations; in one case, a Tomsk cultural center accused Karatygin of running a “pirated” children’s beauty contest without authorization. All these controversies, minor as some may seem, build a portrait of a man operating in ethical gray areas – exactly the kind of milieu where trafficking networks thrive behind the scenes.
In summary, no formal legal case has linked Karatygin to Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring. However, multiple factors raise concern: his long-time alliance with Peter Listerman (a known facilitator of “model parties” for oligarchs), his involvement in pageants for underage girls, his base of operations in countries often used as waypoints for sex tourism. These pieces of the puzzle suggest that Karatygin’s pageants could be a recruitment pipeline akin to Epstein’s modus operandi, even if conducted more covertly. Investigative journalists and independent researchers will likely continue probing Karatygin’s activities, looking for any concrete evidence that Miss Eurasia or his modeling agencies were used to coerce or traffic contestants. As of this report, Karatygin remains an active pageant organizer – publicly celebrating beauty and talent, while privately fending off dark suspicions that his empire masks something far more sinister.
Despite the swirling rumors, hard proof of criminal conduct by Leonid Karatygin has yet to surface in open sources. There have been no publicly reported arrests or charges against him related to human trafficking, sexual abuse, or forced recruitment. Many allegations remain at the level of whispers and journalistic conjecture. For instance, local Tomsk media have questioned the legitimacy and transparency of some contests he ran (as in the 2006 “Little Beauty” incident). In that case, the concern was that parents and children were misled about opportunities to advance to national finals – pointing to an exploitative motive of extracting participation fees or publicity without delivering on promises. Karatygin’s blasé response (“documentation isn’t needed – everything depends on money”) did little to dispel the impression of a cash-for-crowns scheme. Such tactics could be seen as coercive pipelines in a softer sense: using young girls’ dreams (or their parents’ ambitions) to generate profit and possibly funnel the most promising ones into his personal network for other purposes.
On the record, a few brave voices have raised the question of whether contests like Karatygin’s are healthy for the participants. Some Russian commentators have noted the blurred boundaries between pageantry and the sex industry. They point out that in Moscow, “when people talk about models, they think about saunas” (a euphemism for prostitution). Karatygin himself acknowledged this stigma, which is partly why he took his business to Turkey. But even in Turkey, beauty contests have sometimes been linked to “international grooming”: young contestants meet powerful businessmen at these events, and offers of “modeling contracts abroad” can be a cover for sexual exploitation. While no specific exposé has busted Miss Eurasia for this, the general pattern is well-documented by anti-trafficking NGOs.
Thus far, no contestant from Karatygin’s pageants has publicly come forward with claims of abuse or coercion. This could be due to non-disclosure agreements, fear of repercussions, or perhaps genuinely professional treatment of winners in the visible aspects of the contest. It is also possible that any victims would not readily associate their plight with the pageant itself (if, say, they were approached by third parties after the contest). Investigative journalists may be tracking Karatygin’s connections behind the scenes; for example, following the money trail of Eurasia Group Ltd or observing if winners frequently end up in dubious “talent agencies” overseas. AtNight is interested in flight logs, shell companies, recruitment ads, etc.
In terms of legal cases, aside from the minor 2009 theft accusation in Tomsk (which did not result in charges), Karatygin has kept a low profile with authorities. He moved freely between Russia and Turkey, and even collaborated with semi-official bodies (like tourism boards and the Eurasian Economic Cooperation Org.).
The lack of official accusations should not be seen as a clean bill of health – clandestine trafficking networks are notoriously difficult to prosecute without insider testimony or a lucky break.
The picture of Leonid Karatygin that emerges is two-faced. On one side, he is an enterprising showman who built an empire of beauty contests from Siberia to the Mediterranean – giving young women a stage and basking in the glamour that surrounds it. On the other side, there are persistent and serious allegations that he has leveraged these very contests as a pipeline for predatory exploitation, in league with figures like Peter Listerman and possibly inheriting the mantle of Jeffrey Epstein’s procurers. The truth may well lie in the middle: Karatygin’s contests likely do produce genuine pageant winners and modeling contracts, but behind the scenes, a subset of contestants could be cherry-picked for far more sordid “opportunities.” Until solid evidence or whistleblower accounts come forth, Karatygin operates in a gray zone – celebrated in fashion and tourism press, yet whispered about in investigations of sex trafficking. His case underscores how beauty pageants, modeling agencies, and trafficking can intersect in the shadows of the global beauty industry.
AtNight's Scope
The scope of AtNight’s private inquiry is carefully defined and strictly adhered to. This is not a criminal investigation, but rather an intelligence-gathering and analysis mission intended to assist the public and law enforcement by filling in knowledge gaps. Specifically, AtNight is mapping patterns and following leads that could indicate the existence of “post-Epstein” human trafficking or exploitation rings. This includes analyzing travel records (e.g., private jet flight logs and tail numbers associated with Epstein’s former network or similar routes frequented by his associates), corporate filings and financial transactions (such as offshore accounts, trusts, or shell companies that might have been used to continue illicit operations), and digital communication footprints (social media groups, messaging app activity, etc., that fit the profile of trafficking coordination). Our analysts are re-interviewing sources from prior Epstein investigations and reaching out to new witnesses who have come forward since 2019 with relevant information. We are also scrutinizing Epstein’s known modus operandi in order to recognize any copycat patterns. For instance, Epstein infamously leveraged his private island, private jets, and high-profile connections to commit and conceal crimes; therefore, our inquiry examines whether any lesser-known figures have attempted to use similar methods in the past few years.
AtNight operates with a strict ethical framework and within legal boundaries. All research is conducted using open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques, public records, and consensual interviews. We do not employ surveillance or any invasive tactics without proper authority. When we identify information suggestive of ongoing criminal activity, we promptly share that with law enforcement agencies – we are in communication with federal and state task forces on human trafficking, providing them with our non-privileged findings to support any official probes. Conversely, if we investigate a lead and determine that an individual has no involvement in wrongdoing, we will clearly state that and focus our efforts elsewhere. The safety and privacy of potential witnesses and survivors are paramount; any sensitive information obtained is handled with confidentiality and stored securely. Our team includes experienced analysts, legal consultants, and victim advocates to ensure that our methods respect the rights of all parties. This inquiry is a unique collaboration between a private intelligence outfit (AtNight) and public stakeholders: we aim to complement, not substitute, the work of law enforcement by shining light where official investigations might not reach due to jurisdictional or resource constraints.
Additional Background
AtNight Creative Intelligence Division, in partnership with allied organizations and individuals, urges members of the public to come forward with any information that might aid this inquiry. We are especially interested in tips from those in industries and communities intersecting with these matters – aviation, hospitality, fashion/modeling, pageantry, finance, and private security. Even small observations can prove critical when pieced together with other data. For example, you might have noticed unusual private jet activity at a local airfield, a sudden influx of young foreign models at exclusive parties, or online chatter hinting at “arrangements” between wealthy older men and underage girls. If something didn’t sit right, please consider sharing it confidentially.
Confidential Tip Line: (844) 922-3236. You may call or text this number. It is operated in partnership with renowned bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman, who is assisting One World Society in triaging incoming tips. Mr. Chapman and his team are experienced in handling sensitive leads and will protect caller anonymity if requested.
Secure Email: tips@manhunts.one (PGP encryption available on request). This email is monitored 24/7 by AtNight’s intelligence analysts and Dog's investigative team. We encourage you to use an alias or anonymous email service if you prefer; we are interested in information, not identities.
We have established a reward fund for credible, actionable information. A $10,000 reward is offered for tips that significantly advance this investigation or lead to confirmation of an active trafficking network linked to any individuals mentioned above (or others in Epstein’s orbit). If multiple independent sources provide the same valuable information, the reward may be split, or additional funds may be allocated to reward each source. Please note: if your tip relates to an ongoing crime in progress or an immediate danger to someone, do not wait – notify law enforcement right away. You can still inform us as well, and we will coordinate appropriately, but official authorities need to act on urgent situations without delay.
Media organizations, advocacy groups, and independent researchers are also invited to share relevant findings or to amplify this public notice so it reaches those who might have information. We recognize that the Epstein case has spawned a vast citizen detective community. To the extent that any researchers have uncovered potentially important clues (for instance, names of lesser-known pilots, international modeling agents, or financial facilitators that merit scrutiny), we welcome collaboration. Our goal is not to “scoop” anyone, but to ensure useful intelligence is not siloed. If you have leads but are unsure how to verify or act on them, AtNight is willing to evaluate and, if credible, pursue them with our resources.
All information provided will be kept confidential. If desired, AtNight can work out a source protection arrangement (including legal counsel to establish reporter’s privilege, if applicable). Whistleblowers from within organizations are also encouraged to reach out; we are prepared to handle sensitive corporate or governmental information responsibly. In an inquiry of this scope, every piece of the puzzle matters – what you know could be the key to uncovering a hidden trafficking ring or finally holding an enabler accountable. We urge anyone with information to come forward. By working together, we can shine a light into the darkest corners that predators and their enablers have long presumed would stay dark.
Disclaimer
This public notice is an informational release and not a legal indictment. All individuals named or described herein are presumed innocent of any crime. Our references to them are based on publicly reported allegations, court documents, and ongoing investigative research. AtNight Creative Intelligence Division is not a law enforcement body; we do not have arrest powers or subpoena power. We operate as an independent investigative arm of One World Society Corp, with the aim of uncovering truth and supporting justice through information-sharing.
Any actionable evidence that emerges from this inquiry will be handed over to the proper authorities. We have been and will continue coordinating with law enforcement as appropriate, to ensure that any potential criminal activity discovered is addressed within the legal system’s framework. We have also taken care to ensure that our public communications do not defame or falsely accuse anyone. If new information clarifies or disproves any suspicions about an individual, we will update our statements in future releases. Our interest is solely in the facts and their implications for public safety and accountability.
Readers and media consumers should also note that human trafficking investigations are complex and can evolve rapidly. Allegations that appear in the media or in civil litigation do not always lead to criminal charges, sometimes due to legal technicalities or insufficient admissible evidence. By issuing this notice, AtNight and One World Society aim to keep the public informed on what is being explored, but we caution against assuming anyone’s guilt without a court proceeding. We encourage responsible journalism in covering these topics: whenever possible, refer to source documents (many are cited in this release) and avoid sensationalism that could derail the fact-finding process.
Finally, we reaffirm that our primary motivation is the public good. The survivors of Epstein’s crimes – and of trafficking crimes in general – deserve full answers and, where possible, justice. The only way to achieve that is to follow every lead, however old or far-fetched, until a complete picture is obtained. We thank all partners, sources, and community members who have assisted thus far. This is a collective effort to ensure that the heinous crimes of the past do not continue into the future unchecked. By shedding light, we seek to drive out the darkness that allowed such crimes to flourish. We ask for the public’s help and patience as we continue this important work.
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