Jeffrey Epstein's final will shows he wanted to give a major part of his possessions and money to his girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, shorty before he died in jail awaiting trial for his sex trafficking crimes. Epstein signed the will on August 8, 2019, just two days before he was found dad in a New York City jail cell.
His estate was estimated to be worth approximately $288 million at the time of his death and was made up of multiple properties, including several luxury estates around the world. It was formally filed signed by his attorney, Darren Indyke, eight days after Epstein died.
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Even after explicit instructions identifying hundreds of recipients, the estate has not been distributed as directed. Epstein's assets have instead been put into a trust that has been used to compensate victims and cover other outstanding legal fees and taxes, as per a report by news agency Wion. Recent disclosures suggest roughly $127 million remains in the trust.
What did he plan to leave for his girlfriend?
Court records obtained from the US department of Justice reveal Epstein's intentions to bequeath 50 million dollars to his girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, who hails from Belarus. Reports suggest Shuliak moved to America in 2009 and was romantically involved with Epstein for approximately 10 years. According t media reports, Shuliak was referred to by the nickname of "the inspector" among other members of Epstein's inner circle due to her concern for closely monitoring his activities. Her relationship wih Epstein became known to the public months after his death.
Along with the financial portion of the estate, Epstein wished that Shuliak would inherit several of his most notorious properties, such as Little St. James, commonly referred to as "Pedophile Island," his Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, a townhouse in New York City, as well as residences in both Paris and Florida. In her will, Shuliak also received a noteworthy 33-carat diamond ring that is plated in platinum and surrounded by baguette-shaped diamonds.
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A handwritten note reportedly from Epstein attached to the ring indicated that it was given to Shuliak "in contemplation of marriage". Shuliak is believed to be the last person Epstein spoke with via telephone prior to his passing.
Other beneficiaries in the will
Darren Indyke, Epstein's attorney, was to be given 50 million dollars while Richard Kahn, Epstein's long-time accountant, was to be allocated 25 million dollars. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former associate, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, was to get 10 million dollars.
Mark Epstein, (Epstein's brother) and Epstein's long-time pilot, Larry Visoski, were also allocated 10 million dollars. Ultimately, none of these bequests were distributed because the estate was redirected into the victim compensation trust.
