
Newly released documents from the so-called Epstein Files have revealed that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein signed a will just two days before his death by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019, setting aside $100 million for his then girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak.
The latest tranche of nearly three million documents released by the US Department of Justice shows that Epstein, whose total wealth stood at about $630 million at the time, was also contemplating marriage with Shuliak. The disclosures offer new insight into how Epstein intended to distribute his fortune even as he faced federal sex trafficking charges.
The engagement ring and $100 million plan
According to the documents, Epstein gave Shuliak a 32.73-carat diamond ring “in contemplation of marriage.”
He planned to leave her $100 million, including a $50 million annuity set up for her benefit. Epstein also intended to transfer ownership of multiple properties to her, including his Manhattan mansion, Paris apartment, New Mexico ranch, and two private islands in the US Virgin Islands, according to Business Insider.
The 32-page document outlining these arrangements is known as the 1953 Trust, named after Epstein’s year of birth. It had never been made public before and was signed by Epstein on August 8, 2019, while he was jailed in Manhattan.
Who is Karyna Shuliak
Shuliak, 36, is a native of Belarus and had known Epstein since at least 2012, according to Justice Department filings. She is believed to be living in New York City.
Epstein helped pay for her dental education. According to New York Times, Shuliak was the last person Epstein called from jail before authorities reported that he had taken his own life while awaiting trial.
Business Insider reported that Epstein said he had given Shuliak 48 loose diamonds in addition to the engagement ring. He stated that the diamonds were hers to keep if the marriage was not consummated and he died.
Other beneficiaries named in the will
Shuliak was listed among more than 40 potential beneficiaries named in Epstein’s will.
His longtime personal lawyer Darren Indyke was set to receive $50 million, while Richard Kahn, Epstein’s longtime accountant, was to receive $25 million. Both men were named as co-executors and trustees of the estate.
“They have never acted to put their own interests above their duties as co-executors,” Daniel Weiner, an attorney representing the estate executors, told Business Insider in an email.
“Neither they nor any of the other more than 40 beneficiaries will receive any money from that Estate unless and until all creditors and claims on the Estate have first been satisfied in full, including claims for compensation made by women who suffered abuse at Mr. Epstein’s hands,” Weiner said.
The document also refers to plans to create a separate trust for Shuliak’s operating expenses and another trust for a person whose name has been redacted. Seven redacted individuals were each set to receive between $3 million and $10 million.
Maxwell, family, and other recipients
British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s long-term associate who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for trafficking girls, was to receive $10 million under the final trust. Her name was not included in earlier versions of the trust.
Cecile de Jongh, a former first lady of the US Virgin Islands and an Epstein employee, was to receive $1 million.
Epstein’s brother, Mark Epstein, was left $10 million to be held in trust for his children.
“This is the first I’m hearing of it,” Mark Epstein told Business Insider.
Epstein also planned to leave $5 million to Martin Nowak, a Harvard University mathematics professor who had professional ties with him.
Estate value and victim compensation
While Epstein’s fortune was once estimated at $630 million, a recent court filing valued his estate at about $120 million.
Since his death, the estate has been tied up in litigation and creditor claims. More than $125 million has already been paid to over 100 victims through a compensation programme, with hundreds of millions more spent on taxes, settlements, and related expenses.
The newly revealed will adds another disturbing layer to the story of a man who continued to plan his personal legacy even as his criminal case and public reckoning closed in.
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