WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) —  Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates arrived on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning for questioning from United States (US) lawmakers over his relationship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, whose network of wealthy and powerful associates has fueled years of scrutiny and conspiracy theories.

Gates, one of the world’s richest men and a leading philanthropist, was appearing before the House Oversight Committee for a transcribed interview about the disgraced financier, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving underage girls.

“I hope my testimony is helpful to the work — important work — of the committee to find justice for the victims,” Gates told reporters as he walked into a hearing room, while avoiding further questions.