Zurab Mikeladze is one of six previously redacted names that Rep. Ro Khanna read on the U.S. House floor after reviewing less redacted Jeffrey Epstein records at the Department of Justice. Khanna said DOJ staff acknowledged an error and agreed to unmask the identities following his visit with Rep. Thomas Massie.
Why His Name is in the News?
On February 10, 2026, Khanna listed six men whose names had been hidden in the public release of the files. The list included Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, Leonic Leonov, Nicola Caputo, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Leslie Wexner. Khanna framed the disclosure as a transparency fix rather than a new allegation.
Key context from multiple outlets underscores a crucial point. Being named in the files does not by itself indicate criminal wrongdoing. With the exception of Ghislaine Maxwell, no one named in these releases has been criminally charged in connection with Epstein.
What is Actually Known About Zurab Mikeladze?
Public reporting on Mikeladze remains sparse. Most coverage notes only that his name surfaced on Khanna’s House floor list after a review of less redacted records. Beyond that, outlets have not established a verified biography or a documented role within the case. News reports describe him as one of the lesser-known names compared with Wexner or bin Sulayem.
Several newsrooms and explainers provide these takeaways:
- Khanna and Massie viewed unredacted files and pressed DOJ to correct over redactions. DOJ later made the six identities public.
- Media coverage emphasizes that inclusion in the files is not proof of guilt. Reporters caution that many names appear in emails, logs or investigative materials for a variety of reasons.
How Disclosures Happened?
Khanna used his time on the House floor to read the names into the record after a two-hour review at DOJ. He argued that the department applied redactions beyond what the Epstein Files Transparency Act intended. The speech occurred under protection of the Speech or Debate Clause.
Outlets across the spectrum covered the moment. Reason summarized the list and noted Massie’s claim that the men were likely incriminated, while also stating the meaning of that claim was unclear. ABC News Australia explained that the Act permits redactions to shield victims and ongoing investigations but does not allow redactions to avoid embarrassment or reputational harm.
What The Epstein Files Are and Why Names Keep Surfacing
The Justice Department has published a massive online library connected to federal and civil litigation around Epstein. The site warns that some content may include sensitive material due to volume and that redactions focus on protecting victims and legally restricted information. The department has also acknowledged the possibility of inadvertent postings and continues to correct mistakes.
Coverage of the latest tranche stresses the scale. Lawmakers describe millions of pages and say many remains redacted. Reporters note that the DOJ release includes public submissions and investigative material where authenticity can vary, which is why context and corroboration matter.
Why This Matters Beyond One Name?
The episode highlights a larger fight over transparency and redactions. Lawmakers argue that unnecessary masking of non-victim identities undermines accountability. The DOJ says it must balance transparency with privacy and legal constraints. That tension is why names like Mikeladze’s are now surfacing while many other references remain hidden.
Quick Facts
- Name: Zurab Mikeladze
- Why in the news: Identified by Rep. Ro Khanna as one of six names that DOJ unmasked after a congressional review of less redacted Epstein files.
- Allegations: None reported in the latest public disclosures. Being named is not evidence of a crime.
- Status: Public details remain limited pending document by document reporting.
FAQs
Why was Zurab Mikeladze’s name revealed?
His name was one of six that Rep. Ro Khanna read aloud on the House floor after reviewing less‑redacted DOJ files. Khanna said DOJ staff acknowledged mistaken redactions.
Does appearing in the files mean someone committed a crime?
No. DOJ officials and multiple news outlets emphasize that being named in the files does not imply guilt or criminal involvement.
Why were some names redacted before?
Redactions were intended to protect victims and sensitive investigative details. Lawmakers argue some redactions went beyond legal requirements.
Will more names be revealed?
Possibly. Lawmakers said millions of records remain heavily redacted, and ongoing reviews may trigger further corrections or disclosures.
Where can I verify documents directly?
The official DOJ Epstein Files Library is the primary source of publicly released materials: https://www.justice.gov/epstein
