Jeffrey Epstein’s Ambitious Plans for a Moroccan Palace Before His Arrest

In an intriguing development, Jeffrey Epstein attempted to purchase an opulent palace in Morocco just a day prior to his arrest in 2019. This acquisition, particularly the grand palace known as Bin Ennakhil, sheds light on Epstein’s elaborate interests and connections, drawing from documents recently revealed by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Pursuit of Bin Ennakhil

Epstein’s interest in acquiring Bin Ennakhil dates back to 2011, although negotiations were often hampered by price disputes with the seller. Located in the upscale Palmeraie neighborhood of Marrakech, this architectural gem, modeled after the Alhambra in Granada, boasts magnificent carvings and mosaics crafted by 1,300 artisans over three years. On July 5, 2019, just before his arrest, Epstein signed a $14.95 million wire transfer for the property, following a deal to buy the offshore company owning the palace for $21.25 million.

Troubling Timing

Documents indicate that this wire transfer was Epstein’s last significant financial operation before he faced charges for sex trafficking upon returning to New York. Just three days after his arrest, his accountant, Richard Kahn, canceled the transaction, leaving the purchase incomplete.

Marrakech lacks an extradition treaty with the United States, leading to speculation that Epstein saw the property as a potential refuge should further legal troubles arise. A former associate of Epstein, who wished to remain anonymous, suggested that the deal highlighted Epstein’s unawareness of his impending arrest but acknowledged the allure of the property as a sanctuary.

Connections to Morocco

Epstein’s ties to Morocco trace back to at least the early 2000s. Virginia Giuffre, one of his prominent accusers, recounted in her memoirs that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell took her on a flight to Tangier to view luxury properties. At that time, Epstein was considering redesigning parts of his island home in a Moroccan style. Notably, in 2002, Epstein attended the wedding of Moroccan King Mohammed VI, as a guest of former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Growing Interest Post-Conviction

After being convicted in 2008 for soliciting minors in the U.S., Epstein’s fascination with Morocco reportedly intensified. The recently published documents suggest that in 2010, he solicited former U.K. Labour Minister Peter Mandelson for help in finding a home in Marrakech.

The Search for a Dream Property

Karyna Shuliak, Epstein’s longtime girlfriend, took the lead in pursuing a Moroccan property, with extensive correspondence documenting their visits and negotiations. Marc Leon from Kensington Luxury Properties noted that by 2011, Epstein was focused on Bin Ennakhil, initially believing the palace’s price—almost $65 million—was inflated. An early low offer offended the seller, Gunter Kiss, a German waste management tycoon, causing negotiations to stall.

Undeterred, Epstein leveraged Shuliak and his network in Morocco to continue assessing the property. In 2018, he visited the palace himself, while Shuliak made final offers, pretending to represent billionaire friend Leon Black. It became increasingly clear that Epstein was the actual buyer, as communications with the seller resumed.

The Allure of Bin Ennakhil

Bin Ennakhil is adorned with intricate designs and boasts numerous luxurious features, including:

• Fifteen rooms, seven reserved for staff
• Three swimming pools
• Expansive gardens with rose bushes and ornamental lakes

At one point, Kensington Luxury Properties proposed a selling and tax strategy for Epstein that would register the property sale at $11.8 million while executing a $23.6 million transaction for the offshore company shares. This approach aimed to reduce tax liabilities, although the agency denied any unethical practices, affirming Epstein’s intent to comply with local regulations.

Final Thoughts

While Epstein’s plans for the Moroccan palace remain unfinished, they reveal much about his complex dealings and aspirations. At the time of his arrest, he was in the midst of finalizing the processes for acquiring the property, intending to establish it under his name in Morocco.

Key Takeaways

• Jeffrey Epstein attempted to purchase the luxurious Bin Ennakhil palace a day before his 2019 arrest.
• The deal involved extensive negotiations and ongoing price disputes over many years.
• Epstein envisioned the Moroccan property as a potential refuge from legal issues in the U.S.
• His girlfriend led the search for the property, leveraging contacts in the luxury real estate market.