She knew too much? Ex-Italian model linked to Epstein mysteriously vanishes

ALBAWABA - A former Italian model, whose name was linked to the infamous American financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, disappeared under weird circumstances in New York City.

Elisabetta Ferretto, originally from Montagnana in northern Italy, vanished on April 22 upon arrival in the United States. She was in Italy visiting her family from early April, but when she came back, no one heard anything about her, and she just disappeared.

People close to the former model said Elisabetta Ferretto is not answering phone calls, and her social media accounts appear to have been deactivated or deleted.

Her family reported her disappearance to prosecutors in Rovigo, Italy, who opened a case because she is an Italian citizen residing abroad. Additionally, the case was also referred to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which activated diplomatic channels with US authorities.

^{British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell and US financier Jeffrey Epstein. Photo by HANDOUT / US DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK / AFP}

Elisabetta Ferretto's links with Epstein:

Elisabetta Tia Ferretto's name emerged to the public in 2019 when the former model spoke about an alleged encounter with Epstein that she said took place in 2004. Ferretto said she was introduced to Epstein by her modeling agent after being told he could help her work with major brands like Victoria's Secret since he was a trusted friend and financial advisor to Lesley Wexner, the owner of the brand.

Her agent suggested she meet a man who would "change her life" and open important job opportunities for her.

Elisabetta mentioned that she went to what she thought would be a professional meeting or audition at Epstein's Upper East Side mansion in Manhattan. But later she told investigators and the media that she was met at the New York mansion by Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, and taken to his office.

There, she claimed that Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in an alleged suicide in 2019 after being convicted of sex crimes, didn't look at her portfolio or resume, but instead he got undressed and lay down on a massage table.