Documents within the Epstein files appear to show that 330 gallons of sulphuric acid were purchased for the paedophile's island on the day the FBI opened its investigation into the billionaire's trafficking charges.

According to a receipt and several email exchanges buried within the millions of files that were released on January 30, Epstein had six 55-gallon drums of the chemical delivered to Little St. James (LSJ) - his private island.

The sulphuric acid was purchased for £4,373 on June 12, 2018, coinciding with the date the FBI opened a federal investigation into Epstein's trafficking activities.

The request on the form reads: 'x 6 55 gal drums sulphuric acid w/fuel and insurance charge for transport; materials for conductivity probes; replacement pH and cable - RO Plant - LSJ'.

The revelation about the sulphuric acid sparked wild speculation on social media as to what Epstein needed it for, including to 'destroy evidence or even human remains' - despite there being no evidence of criminal use.

'One Epstein files email they requested 6 55 gallon drums of sulphuric acid, the only thing that is used for is to dissolve bodies,' one social media user speculated. 

But further emails in the documents, dating back to 2013, suggest Epstein used sulphuric acid on the private island to purify water.

RO stands for Reverse Osmosis - a water purification system - while sulphuric acid is widely used in water treatment, specifically to soften, adjust pH, and enhance the efficiency of other chemicals during purification processes.

Other than water treatment and RO system maintenance, no other explanation for the sulphuric acid is provided in the records. 

Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while he awaited his trial on sex trafficking charges. 

He was denied bail after being convicted for soliciting prostitution from a minor, for which he was registered as a sex offender. 

The financier was accused of running 'a vast network' of underage girls for sex, with files recently released by the US Department of Justice, including photos, videos, and emails taken from his private computers.