Epstein's Middle East Ambitions Exposed in DOJ Documents
Newly released US Department of Justice documents have revealed the extensive efforts by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein to establish a powerful network of political and business leaders throughout the Middle East. The revelations have triggered significant repercussions across the region, most notably with the resignation of Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem from his roles as chief executive and chair of Dubai port giant DP World.
DP World Leadership Crisis
DP World confirmed on Friday that Bin Sulayem had stepped down from his executive positions. According to two sources with direct knowledge of the situation who spoke to Reuters, this decision followed the emergence of Bin Sulayem's name in the Epstein files as his relationship with the late convicted sex offender faced increasing public and internal scrutiny.
Within their correspondence, Bin Sulayem engaged in discussions about sexual relationships with women whom Epstein had facilitated connections with. An email dated 9 November 2007 shows Bin Sulayem telling Epstein he had met one such woman in New York, whose identity he did not disclose, and with whom he explicitly stated he did not have sexual relations.
"Yes after several attempts for several months we managed to meet in NY," he wrote, adding that there was a misunderstanding because "she wanted some BUSINESS! while i only wanted some PUSSYNESS!"
Dubai's ruler on Friday also issued a decree appointing a new chairman for Dubai's Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, one of several roles Bin Sulayem had held. Reuters was able to independently review only some of the Epstein files relating to Bin Sulayem and was unable to ascertain what specifically led to his departure from DP World, although the sources indicated it was related to the files without providing further details.
International Backlash and Investment Suspensions
Being named in the file is not evidence of criminal activity. However, after members of the U.S. Congress revealed that Bin Sulayem's name appeared in files released by the U.S. Department of Justice, he faced renewed questions from some of DP World's financial backers over his past interactions.
The UK development finance agency, British International Investment, and Canada's second-largest pension fund announced last week they would suspend all new investment with DP World over Bin Sulayem's alleged ties to Epstein.
"We are shocked by the allegations emerging in the Epstein Files regarding Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem," said a spokesperson for BII. "In light of the allegations, we will not be making any new investments with DP World until the required actions have been taken by the company."
Canadian pension fund La Caisse said it was "pausing additional capital deployment alongside the company" until DP World clarified the situation and took "the necessary actions."
Following Friday's leadership changes at DP World, BII welcomed the decision and said it looked forward to continuing their partnership. La Caisse stated that "the company took the appropriate measures" and that it would "move quickly to work with DP World's new leadership."
Personal Connections and Regional Influence
In one email exchange, Epstein described Bin Sulayem as funny, trustworthy and a foodie. Epstein noted that Bin Sulayem, a Muslim, does not drink and prays five times a day. An undated photograph that appears in an email and is publicly available shows Epstein cooking with Bin Sulayem, with both men appearing relaxed together.
The large cache of documents released by the DOJ, including text messages and emails, demonstrates that the Middle East was no exception to Epstein's efforts to use his wealth to build relationships with prominent people in politics, finance, academia and business around the world.
Reuters was unable to ascertain how successful Epstein was in seeking to influence his contacts in the Middle East, and whether his advice was heeded by regional leaders.
Qatar Blockade Advisory Role
The DOJ documents reviewed by Reuters show Epstein tried to advise Qatari business leaders and political figures during the 2017-21 blockade of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.
In exchanges with Qatari businessman and ruling family member Sheikh Jabor Yousuf Jassim Al Thani, Epstein urged Qatar to "stop kicking and arguing...let the heat come down a bit." He said "the current Qatar team is very weak" and "FM is not experienced and it shows."
Qatar's foreign minister at the time was Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who now serves as both foreign minister and prime minister. Sheikh Mohammed has not commented publicly on Epstein's portrayal of him.
Epstein urged Doha to forge links with Israel to stay in the good graces of Donald Trump, who was then in his first term as U.S. president. He suggested the Gulf state either move towards recognising Israel or pledge $1 billion to a fund for terrorism victims. Ultimately, Qatar stuck to its independent course.
Saudi Aramco IPO Discussions
Epstein discussed Saudi Aramco's initial public offering in dozens of email exchanges. In one exchange dated September 10, 2016, with a person named as Aziza Alahmadi, and with former Norwegian diplomat Terje Roed-Larson copied in, Epstein warned that Aramco going public could expose Saudi Arabia to lawsuits and asset seizures.
In an email dated October 16, 2017, and also sent to Alahmadi, Epstein suggested selling China an option to buy a $100-billion stake in Aramco rather than pursuing a traditional IPO, saying it would provide liquidity while limiting exposure to public markets.
Egyptian Connections
Epstein's reach also extended to Egypt, the documents released by the DOJ show. Some emails reveal a request from a family member of Hosni Mubarak - the wife of his son Gamal Mubarak - that was passed on to Epstein asking for help in 2011, following the former president's ouster and subsequent legal troubles.
The documents did not specify what kind of assistance was sought, and Reuters was unable to establish whether Epstein had tried to intercede on the family's behalf. There was no immediate response to requests for comment sent to lawyers representing Gamal Mubarak.
Bin Sulayem did not respond to Reuters requests for comment on his departure or the actions taken by BII and La Caisse. DP World declined to comment on the matter, maintaining silence as the scandal continues to unfold across international business and political circles.
