The convicted paedophile in the end agreed to €18m (£13.3m) for the offshore firm proudly owning Bin Ennakhil, marking his closing main transaction earlier than arrest.
Jeffrey Epstein tried to purchase Bin Ennakhil (Picture: GETTY/DoJ)
Newly launched US paperwork reveal Jeffrey Epstein tried to purchase a £13m Moroccan palace simply days earlier than his 2019 arrest on intercourse trafficking costs, fuelling hypothesis he sought a lavish sanctuary past American attain. The disgraced financier wired £11m ($14.95m) on July 5, 2019 – the eve of his arrest at a New York airport – to safe Bin Ennakhil, a sprawling property in Marrakech’s upscale Palmeraie neighbourhood.
Described as an “architectural masterpiece”, the palace was crafted over three years by 1,300 artisans, boasting intricate carvings, mosaics, 15 bedrooms (together with seven for workers), three swimming pools, rose and orange gardens, palm-lined paths, decorative lakes, and marble fountains. Epstein’s obsession with the property dated again to 2011, however disputes over its €55m asking value stalled talks. He in the end agreed to €18m (£13.3m) for the offshore firm proudly owning it, marking his closing main transaction earlier than arrest.
The palace is in Marrakech (Picture: DoJ)
Three days later, accountant Richard Kahn scrapped the switch, and the deal collapsed. Morocco lacks an extradition treaty with the US, prompting native media to recommend Epstein noticed it as an escape hatch amid mounting allegations.
But a former affiliate, talking anonymously, stated Epstein “had no clue” about impending costs, including: “It might make sense if he was considering of a possible sanctuary the place he may nonetheless reside like a king.”
The recordsdata, unsealed final month by the US Division of Justice, comprise no express point out of refuge plans. Epstein’s Moroccan ties stretched to the early 2000s.
Accuser Virginia Giuffre recalled being flown to Tangier by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to scout luxurious designs for his island house. In 2002, he attended King Mohammed VI’s marriage ceremony alongside Maxwell, invited by Invoice Clinton.
Put up-2008 conviction for soliciting underage intercourse, Epstein’s curiosity deepened. Paperwork present him asking ex-Labour minister Peter Mandelson in 2010 to supply an assistant for a Marrakesh home hunt.
From 2012, he visited Palmeraie, mingling with elites like Qatari royal Jabor al Thani, his self-described “Arab brother.” The BBC, which spoke to sources near the deal, reported Epstein’s girlfriend Karyna Shuliak spearheaded negotiations, visiting the property a number of occasions.
Focus locked on Bin Ennakhil – which means “between the palm timber” – owned by German tycoon Gunter Kiss, dubbed “Mr Kiss” in emails. Preliminary lowball affords offended Kiss, halting direct contact.
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Shuliak later bid beneath billionaire Leon Black’s title to masks Epstein’s involvement, however transparency emerged, and talks resumed. A proposed “sale and tax technique” concerned registering the sale at €10m whereas transacting €20m offshore to chop Moroccan taxes.
Marc Leon, of Kensington Luxurious Properties, denied impropriety to the BBC, insisting Epstein opted to pay charges for private possession. The association fizzled with Epstein’s arrest. He died in custody weeks later, dominated a suicide.
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