Emails released as part of the Jeffrey Epstein files show Cyprus repeatedly referenced as a travel location, potential jurisdiction, and subject of financial discussion. The correspondence involves senior US political figures, a prominent author, and the head of a global ports operator.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
- The correspondence paints Epstein as an intermediary or observer, included in exchanges among senior figures but not actively directing the discussions.
- The documents do not provide any evidence that Epstein owned property in Cyprus, held bank accounts there, or engaged in criminal activity in the country.
Spanning from 2013 to 2019, these emails feature exchanges between Epstein and notable figures such as Steve Bannon, Michael Wolff, and Sultan bin Sulayem. Cyprus emerges intermittently as a point of interest, highlighting its role in various discussions.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
High-Level Connections and Meetings
In a May 2018 email chain, Sultan bin Sulayem informed Bannon, while copying Epstein, that he was in Cyprus at the time. He was arranging a meeting in the UAE that included helicopter travel and discussions in Dubai. Bin Sulayem is the chairman of Dubai Ports World (DP World), which operates the port of Limassol under a long-term concession agreement with the Cypriot state. The emails do not clarify the intent behind the Cyprus visit or indicate Epstein’s presence in the country.
Financial Transactions and Allegations
According to The Wall Street Journal, in 2017, Sultan bin Sulayem made a payment of $6,200 to Epstein, which was transferred back to him the following day. The journal also mentioned that bin Sulayem was scheduled to visit Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse during 2011–2014, although it provided no further details on whether that visit occurred.
The correspondence paints Epstein as an intermediary or observer, included in exchanges among senior figures but not actively directing the discussions.
Controversial Claims and References to Cyprus
In a separate February 2019 email to Wolff, Epstein shared a narrative involving a Russian oligarch, property transactions, and financial institutions. He claimed that the oligarch was a significant shareholder in a Cypriot bank, which he alleged had been implicated in Russian money laundering. However, the email lacked evidence or sourcing for this assertion, appearing to reflect Epstein’s own characterisation.
Earlier emails show Cyprus referenced in shorthand related to financial and scientific interests. In April 2013, Epstein mentioned “Cyprus? Bvi accounts, bio tech” in an exchange linked to businessman Len Blavatnik, without further elaboration.
Academic Aspirations and Research Potential
Cyprus was also suggested as a potential base for academic or research activities. In January 2017, British academic Peter Fenwick proposed to Epstein that they could relocate to Cyprus, although it remains unclear if such a move was ever pursued.
The documents do not provide any evidence that Epstein owned property in Cyprus, held bank accounts there, or engaged in criminal activity in the country.
Release of Epstein’s Emails
This tranche of emails is part of a larger release of Epstein-related material made public by the US Department of Justice, which disclosed over three million pages of documents connected to the case. Epstein was found dead in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. He had previously pleaded guilty in Florida in 2008 to procuring a minor for prostitution, a sentence that drew widespread criticism for being overly lenient.
Epstein’s accusers have alleged that he orchestrated an extensive sex-trafficking operation involving underage girls and maintained connections with the political, financial, and social elite. He denied wrongdoing before his death.
