Jeffrey Epstein’s final will, signed just days before his death in jail, shows the disgraced financier planned to leave a large share of his fortune, including cash, properties and jewellery, to his girlfriend, even as his estate was later redirected to compensate victims.
Jeffrey Epstein’s final will reveals that the convicted sex trafficker planned to leave a substantial portion of his wealth and properties to his girlfriend just days before his death in federal custody.
Epstein signed the will on August 8, 2019, two days before he was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial.
At the time, his estate was estimated to be worth about $288 million, comprising luxury real estate and assets spread across several countries. The will was formally executed by his lawyer, Darren Indyke, eight days after Epstein’s death.
Estate redirected into trust
Despite naming dozens of beneficiaries and laying out detailed instructions, the estate was never distributed according to the will. Instead, Epstein’s assets were transferred into a trust, which has since been used to compensate victims and cover legal fees and taxes. Recent disclosures show that approximately $127 million remains in the trust.
$50 million bequest to girlfriend
Court documents released by the US Department of Justice indicate that Epstein intended to leave $50 million to his girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak.
Originally from Belarus, Shuliak reportedly moved to the US in 2009 and was romantically involved with Epstein for nearly a decade. Media reports say she was known within Epstein’s inner circle as “the inspector” due to her close oversight of his activities. Their relationship became public only months after Epstein’s death.
Properties and jewellery included
The will stated that Shuliak was to inherit several of Epstein’s most notorious properties, including Little Saint James — often referred to as “Pedophile Island” — Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, a New York townhouse, and residences in Paris and Florida.
She was also named as the recipient of a 33-carat diamond ring set in platinum. Epstein reportedly added a handwritten note saying the ring was given “in contemplation of marriage”. Shuliak was also reportedly the last person to speak with Epstein by phone before his death.
Other beneficiaries named
Epstein’s will also allocated $50 million to his lawyer Darren Indyke and $25 million to his long-time accountant Richard Kahn. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate now serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, was listed to receive $10 million. The same amount was earmarked for Epstein’s brother, Mark Epstein, and his long-time pilot, Larry Visoski. None of these bequests were ultimately paid, as the estate was redirected into the victim compensation trust.
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