Recent documents from the U.S. Department of Justice have revealed connections between an influential businessman from the United Arab Emirates and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, leading to his resignation as head of one of the world's largest port companies.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who heads the Dubai-based company DP World, operating in over 80 countries for three decades, has become a central figure in the latest wave of scandals surrounding Epstein. On Friday, government sources in Dubai confirmed the appointment of a new chairman and CEO of the company, previously held by bin Sulayem.
In Epstein's correspondence, bin Sulayem was described as "cheerful," "educated," "a master of his craft," and "the best and truest friend."
The correspondence between the two men reveals a long-standing friendship filled with derogatory comments about women and girls, as well as discussions of business proposals and mentions of an alleged video that has drawn the attention of the U.S. Congress.
This week, the Department of Justice published several more names, including bin Sulayem, in its documents; however, the mere mention of a name is not evidence of any crimes, and bin Sulayem has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
The friendship between Epstein and bin Sulayem continued even after Epstein was released in 2009 after pleading guilty to charges related to child prostitution. Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on new charges of sexual assault and human trafficking, but he did not admit guilt.
Bin Sulayem, a well-known businessman, often appears publicly with the ruler of Dubai and has been seen in photographs with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In January, he attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, and in November of last year, he participated in the Global Perspectives program on CNN International and was at the awards ceremony during the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Following the emergence of new documents, at least two companies suspended their cooperation with DP World. However, the Canadian pension fund stated that the company has taken the necessary steps to restore partnerships with the new leadership.
Bin Sulayem has a stellar reputation, which aligns with the profiles of many other influential figures mentioned in Epstein's cases, confirming his connections to global elites.
Although bin Sulayem's name is not widely known in the U.S., recent events have drawn attention to his figure in Washington.
In 2009, Epstein sent a short email asking, "Where are you? Are you okay? I really enjoyed the torture video."
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie from Kentucky, who gained access to the unedited version of the document, confirmed this week that the recipient of the email was "the sultan." U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added that the recipient's name appears in another file and is connected to a letter from bin Sulayem.
It is unclear what "the torture video" refers to in Epstein's email, as mentioned by Blanche. Representatives of DP World declined to comment on the situation when approached by journalists.
Business and Diplomatic Connections
According to new documents, Epstein and bin Sulayem discussed trips to a Caribbean island where Epstein allegedly committed sexual violence multiple times.
In his letters, bin Sulayem shared with Epstein information about meetings with world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and former British Prime Minister David Cameron, in early September 2015.
Epstein also advised bin Sulayem on how to approach the British government for funding for the DP World project in London. In September 2009, bin Sulayem sent Epstein a letter addressed to Peter Mandelson, then the British Secretary of State for Business, requesting loan guarantees.
Epstein responded to bin Sulayem's draft letter, suggesting changes. Two years later, when bin Sulayem informed him about the start of the project’s construction, Epstein wrote, "I am proud of you."
Mandelson, who later became the British ambassador to the U.S., is currently under investigation by British police due to his connections with Epstein. He previously stated that he "erred in associating with him after his conviction."
Correspondence between bin Sulayem and Epstein also mentions attempts to establish connections between the UAE and Israel, which occurred long before Abu Dhabi normalized relations with Israel in 2020. Reports indicate that Epstein initiated contacts between bin Sulayem and then-Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak in 2012.
Ehud Barak has previously acknowledged his connections with Epstein but claimed he never witnessed any wrongdoing.
On March 22, 2012, Epstein informed bin Sulayem that he was in Berlin with the Israeli Defense Minister and added that the minister wanted to meet with them.
In June 2013, Epstein, no longer in public service, recommended Barak meet with bin Sulayem, whom he described as "the right hand of Maktoum," evidently referring to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE.
A month later, Epstein suggested that bin Sulayem consider purchasing Israeli ports. He sent Barak a link to a Fox News story about Israel inviting international bids and asked, "Is this something for the sultan?"
Two years later, bin Sulayem asked Epstein to arrange a meeting with Ehud, to which Barak responded positively, requesting contact details.
Bin Sulayem's connections extend all the way to the White House.
On January 6, 2017, bin Sulayem asked Epstein whether he should accept an invitation to President Trump's inauguration, adding, "Do you think I will get to shake his hand?" Epstein replied that it was unlikely.
A year later, bin Sulayem expressed interest in meeting with Steve Bannon, Trump's former strategist, during a possible trip to the UAE. Epstein agreed to help arrange the meeting and emphasized that Bannon "would enjoy" interacting with bin Sulayem.
Epstein also provided bin Sulayem with advice on how to organize Bannon's trip around the region, highlighting his achievements.
Dissemination of Pornography During Family Vacations
Documents also show how bin Sulayem shared intimate stories and photos with Epstein, including during a trip to Santa Fe with his family, when he sent links to pornographic websites.
On June 13, 2013, bin Sulayem informed Epstein that he was heading to his yacht to enjoy the company of "a real Russian woman." Two years later, he shared information about a "girl" he met at an American university in Dubai, calling her "the best sex of his life."
Further correspondence indicates that bin Sulayem and Epstein objectified women and criticized their appearance.
In June 2017, bin Sulayem offered Epstein a "personal masseuse" he was training to work at a hotel in Antalya, so she could "get the best experience."
Victims of Epstein's abuse have repeatedly stated that they were coerced into giving him massages and engaging in sexual acts.
"He is one of us"
Increasingly, emails confirm that Epstein used intimate details from the lives of his acquaintances to strengthen his connections with them.
In correspondence from August 2013, Epstein noted that bin Sulayem "speaks excellent English," "does not drink in public," and "prays five times a day." Epstein also pointed out that the businessman had "many connections."
Discussing a meeting with bin Sulayem, Japanese entrepreneur Joichi Ito remarked that he should meet with him privately.
Ito, who stepped down as head of the MIT Media Lab in 2019 due to financial ties with Epstein, has previously stated that he was never involved in Epstein's crimes and deeply regrets associating with him.
CNN requested a comment from Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan, where Ito is president.
Just a month later, Epstein informed bin Sulayem that Joichi Ito was "the person most closely connected to the world of technology in the States" and added that he was "one of us."
Bin Sulayem responded that he looked forward to meeting with Ito and would take good care of him.
