Was Epstein one of the most powerful people in the world?

Epstein is often referred to as child sex predator. Which is true.

also true that he used girls and women to collect contacts. In his emails are the most rich and powerful. Leaders from all of the world. Business leaders, government leaders, scientists. 

This access is extraordinary. any intelligence agency would kill to have these contacts. he had inside information from British government about their financial plans.

These people rule the world and control the world’s wealth. Imagine having leverage and control over them. Imagine if you had secrets and leverage on a us president and a Russian president. It would make you a very powerful person.

what was this Epstein guy up to? He was collecting billionaires and leverage to what end? it feels like there is more to the story than just a wealthy perv. Not to be a conspiracy theorist but it does feel like there is another layer here that is yet to be understood.