Igor Zinoviev is a former UFC/Pancrase fighter who became Epstein's bodyguard, personal trainer, and driver from the mid-2000s through 2008 and beyond.

He lived in Epstein's Palm Beach guesthouse for approximately 5–6 years and drove Epstein during his 2008 work release program.

In 2020, he cryptically warned attorney Brad Edwards: "You don't know who you're messing with…he pays a lot of attention to…C-I-A." He suggested in 2019 that "somebody helped [Epstein] kill himself."

Zinoviev's CIA warning represents one of the most explosive pieces of circumstantial evidence suggesting intelligence involvement in Epstein's protection.

As an insider who lived with Epstein for years, his specific naming of CIA (not vague "powerful people") and the warning context suggest an attempt to intimidate.

Described as CIA-trained, witnessed escape attempt from island. (p. 845) EFTA00145723

Sources

New York Magazine reporting; Thread Reader App compilation; Tara Palmeri reporting; MMA Mania reporting.