Who Is Karyna Shuliak? Woman Named As Primary Beneficiary In Epstein’s Multimillion-Dollar Deathbed Will

Jeffrey Epstein’s final will, signed just two days before his death in a New York jail cell in August 2019, continues to raise troubling questions about who stood to benefit from his multimillion-dollar fortune, and where his victims fit into the picture. The 32-page document, known as the “1953 Trust” after Epstein’s birth year, laid out the distribution of an estate then valued at roughly USD 100 million. 

According to the trust, the bulk of Epstein’s estate was intended for Karyna Shuliak, his then-girlfriend. Court records show that Shuliak, who met Epstein in 2012, was designated the main beneficiary and granted wide control over his assets, placing her at the centre of the estate’s future.

Control Over Zorro Ranch And Other Assets

The trust granted Shuliak extensive authority over Epstein’s Zorro Ranch property in New Mexico, including all interests in the land, leases, rights, permits, improvements, and fixtures. The property has long featured in investigations into Epstein’s activities. 

Shuliak’s connection to Epstein extended beyond the trust. Department of Justice files indicate Epstein helped fund her dental school education and exchanged emails advising her on how to enter the United States by presenting herself as a “cleaning lady.” She reportedly came to the US in 2010 at the age of 20 after meeting Epstein in Minsk, Belarus, and was believed to be living in New York City at the time of his death. Records also show she was the last person Epstein called from jail the night before authorities said he took his own life.

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Lawyer And Accountant Among Top Beneficiaries

Beyond Shuliak, the trust listed more than 40 potential beneficiaries. The two largest allocations after her were to Epstein’s longtime personal lawyer, Darren Indyke, who was set to receive USD 50 million, and his in-house accountant Richard Kahn, who was to receive USD 25 million. Both were also named co-executors of the estate. 

While the trust made no direct provision for more than 200 women who have accused Epstein of abuse, developments after his death partially addressed compensation. Indyke and Kahn established a victim compensation fund that has since paid out USD 121 million, while an additional USD 49 million has been paid in settlements.

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