US billionaire Les Wexner, who is alleged to have played a key role in helping Jeffrey Epstein build his wealth, has described himself as “naive, foolish and gullible” for trusting the late sex offender.

In a statement to US lawmakers at the start of a closed-door deposition on Wednesday, the former CEO of Victoria’s Secret lingerie brand accused Epstein of stealing “vast sums” of money from his family when working as his financial adviser.

Wexner, who was testifying before a House committee as part of its probe into the Epstein case, has denied any wrongdoing.

He was described as a potential co-conspirator of Epstein’s in a 2019 FBI document, but no charges were ever brought against him.