US billionaire Jeffrey Epstein was found dead Saturday in his cell in New York, where he was awaiting trial on charges of sexually abusing minors, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) opened an investigation into what appeared to be a suicide.

The prison administration confirmed that Jeffrey Epstein was found on Saturday (August 10th) "dead in his cell ... apparently as a result of a suicide."

This comes after the New York Times reported that Epstein committed suicide by hanging in his cell, citing unnamed officials.

"The staff immediately tried to revive him," the prison administration said, before being taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, announcing an investigation into the incident.

Epstein was found in late July on the floor in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, with bruises on his neck. Several sources confirmed that Epstein tried to commit suicide.

But his injuries were not serious and he took part in a judicial hearing a few days later, but he was put under private scrutiny, according to media.

The prison administration did not confirm the information on Saturday, saying only that Epstein was being held in a "special unit."

With the announcement of Epstein's death, several figures expressed surprise that the Metropolitan Reform Center is one of the safest institutions in the United States.

Former Justice Department inspector Michael Bromwich said the department should immediately open a "thorough investigation" to determine who was responsible for Epstein's death.

The US authorities have arrested Epstein, 66, a friend of US President Donald Trump and close to celebrities and politicians, especially Trump, on his return from Paris on his private plane, on charges of «sex trade».

Epstein was accused of organizing a network of dozens of young girls, some of them university students, and sexually exploiting them in his many homes.

He was charged on 8 July with sexual exploitation of minors and conspiracy to conduct sexual trafficking of minors, charges of up to 45 years in prison. His trial was due to begin in mid-June 2020.

On July 18, the billionaire, whose wealth is estimated at more than $ 500 million, was denied bail.

The Metropolitan Correctional Center, where detainees awaiting trial are generally held, is one of the safest institutions in the United States.