Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal major details about Jeffrey Epstein’s estate and how he intended to distribute his wealth before his death. The files were made public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and include an updated will signed by Epstein two days before he died in prison in 2019. These documents provide unprecedented insight into the convicted sex offender’s financial plans and relationships in the time leading up to his suicide.
Epstein’s assets were placed into what’s described as the “1953 Trust,” a legal arrangement designed to outline his intentions for distributing his property and wealth among a wide array of beneficiaries. The total value of his estate was estimated at around hundreds of millions of dollars, with real estate holdings and cash slated for dozens of individuals.
Karyna Shuliak: The Principal Beneficiary
At the centre of the revelations is Karyna Shuliak, a Belarusian-born dentist who was known as Epstein’s last long-term girlfriend. According to the documents, she was named the primary beneficiary of his trust and stood to receive a significant portion of his wealth. Estimates from the filings suggest she could have been promised up to $100 million in inheritance, although the exact amount indicated varies slightly among published reports. In addition to cash, Epstein’s estate intended to leave Shuliak a remarkable set of luxury assets. His plans included transferring ownership of properties such as a Manhattan townhouse, an apartment in Paris, a Palm Beach residence, real estate in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a ranch in New Mexico. A handwritten note in the document also referenced a near-33-carat diamond engagement ring given “in contemplation of marriage.” Reports indicate that Epstein and Shuliak had been involved for nearly a decade, and she was reportedly the last person he spoke to by phone before his death. Her life had been relative low profile before these files were released, but the trust documents have made her one of the central figures in the posthumous saga of Epstein’s finances.
How the Estate Was Structured and Other Beneficiaries
Epstein’s updated will included a long list of at least 40 other beneficiaries. These ranged from close associates to family members and former employees. Among them were his lawyer Darren Indyke and accountant Richard Kahn, both of whom were designated executors of the trust and set to receive substantial sums. Other named beneficiaries reportedly included convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein’s brother Mark Epstein, each slated to receive smaller amounts in comparison to Shuliak. Despite these designations, it’s unclear how much of the planned distribution will ever materialize for the beneficiaries. Epstein’s estate has been subject to ongoing legal claims from victims, creditors and legal fees, which have significantly reduced the value available for inheritance. Officials have already allocated large sums toward victim compensation programs, leaving a smaller portion tied up in probate court proceedings in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Broader Context and Public Reaction
The release of these estate documents has sparked renewed conversation about Epstein’s life, his relationships, and the broader implications of his criminal history. Alongside financial data, the transparency law has brought to light other previously secret materials, including police records and internal correspondence that deepen public scrutiny of his network and activities. While many of the high-profile names mentioned in the documents appear in lists of potential associates or contacts, authorities emphasize that inclusion in these records does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing. Nonetheless, the complex web of connections and the distribution plans for Epstein’s wealth have become focal points for analysis and debate in the wake of these disclosures.
