Investigators in the US state of New Mexico on Monday began searching a remote ranch that formerly belonged to the late billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

New Mexico authorities previously closed their initial case into Epstein's activities in 2019. But the case was reopened in February because "revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination."

"This search is part of the criminal investigation [...] into allegations of illegal activity at Epstein's ranch prior to Epstein's 2019 death," the New Mexico Department of Justice said on Monday.

The department said it "will continue to keep the public appropriately informed, support the survivors, and follow the facts wherever they lead."

What do we know about Epstein's New Mexico ranch?

Located around about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Santa Fe, Epstein purchased Zorro Ranch in 1993 from New Mexico's then-governor Bruce King. It was one of several properties he came to acquire including a Manhattan townhouse and a private island in the Caribbean.

Epstein built a private runway on the sprawling acreage along with a hilltop mansion where he was known to host prominent guests.

The ranch was sold by Epstein's estate in 2023, with proceeds going toward creditors. The new owners have cooperated with the search, authorities said.

At least two women have made allegations of sexual misconduct at the property.

One unidentified woman using the name Jane Doe 15 said she was raped at the ranch when she was 15 years old.

Another woman, Annie Farmer, said that said that Epstein's jailed accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell fondled her breasts at the ranch when she was a teenager.

New Mexico Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury said the state's justice department was leaving "no stone unturned" in the search.

"Epstein survivors have waited for far too long for justice and New Mexico is leading the way in the pursuit of truth and accountability," she said in a post on X.

Edited by: Rob Turner