Pokémon GO developers have removed a PokéStop that appeared on Little Saint James — the private island widely known as Epstein Island — after players repeatedly “visited” it and sparked backlash online.
There are currently around 5.83 million PokéStops in Pokémon GO, many of which were submitted by users over the years. When Niantic was overseeing the game, it relied on data gathered from its earlier augmented reality title Ingress, including user-submitted locations, to build its PokéStop database.
At some point between 2020 and 2021, a location on Little Saint James — reportedly called the Sun Dial — was submitted and later approved as a PokéStop.
How It Was Discovered
Players eventually realized they could access the PokéStop by spoofing their location. Spoofing allows users to fake their GPS position, letting them “visit” places without physically being there.
Reports from independent spoofing sites consistently placed the PokéStop at the Google Maps coordinates linked to Little Saint James Island, which triggered widespread discussion online.
One Reddit user joked:
“Be really awkward if your friend sent you that Stop’s gift.”
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The discovery quickly gained attention, especially following the recent release of the Epstein files by the Justice Department.
Why It Was Removed
The island has been at the center of controversy due to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal convictions and the release of documents revealing emails and media involving various high-profile individuals.
Given the sensitivity surrounding the case, many players questioned why such a location had been approved in the first place.
Niantic confirmed on February 9 that the Sun Dial PokéStop had been removed from the game.
According to reports, the stop may have been submitted through Niantic Wayfarer, the tool that allows players to propose real-world locations for inclusion in Pokémon GO.
However, Wayfarer guidelines require “safe pedestrian access.” Since Little Saint James is a private island that would require travel by boat or plane to access, the location appears to have violated this rule.
Not the First “Meme” Location
Reports noted that while Niantic has implemented safeguards — including requiring players to reach Level 35 or higher to submit locations — unusual or controversial PokéStops have occasionally been approved by the community in the past.
Players Level 35 and above can also report invalid PokéStops or suggest edits directly through the Pokémon GO app.
Interestingly, recently released Justice Department emails reportedly show that Epstein had discussed Pokémon GO before his arrest and had even encouraged contacts to try the game. He also reportedly pitched ideas for creating an augmented reality app similar to Pokémon GO.
The PokéStop’s removal comes at a time when renewed attention on the Epstein case has placed added scrutiny on anything connected to the island — even within the world of gaming.
