Newly unsealed documents from the US Department of Justice reveal that financier Jeffrey Epstein attempted to acquire a luxurious Moroccan palace just one day before his 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges. The transaction, valued at nearly $15 million, represents Epstein’s last significant financial maneuver before facing federal charges.
The target property, Bin Ennakhil (Arabic for ‘between the palm trees’), stands as an architectural marvel in Marrakech’s exclusive Palmeraie district. This opulent estate required approximately 1,300 artisans three years to complete, featuring intricate carvings, elaborate mosaics, and lavish entertainment spaces. Originally owned by German waste management magnate Gunter Kiss, the palace had been on Epstein’s acquisition radar since 2011, though negotiations stalled repeatedly due to pricing disputes and transactional complexities.
Epstein’s connections to Morocco spanned nearly two decades, with court documents indicating his attendance at King Mohammed’s wedding alongside Ghislaine Maxwell in 2002, reportedly invited by former President Bill Clinton. His interest in Moroccan properties intensified following his 2008 conviction for soliciting underage sex and subsequent release from house arrest in 2010. Court files reveal Epstein enlisted former UK cabinet minister Peter Mandelson that same year to locate a Marrakech property assistant, while his partner Karyna Shuliak spearheaded negotiations through multiple visits.
The purchase strategy evolved significantly throughout the eight-year pursuit. Initially considering direct acquisition, Epstein ultimately structured the transaction through an offshore company ownership transfer valued at €18 million. This approach would have potentially minimized Moroccan tax obligations while allowing Epstein to hold the property under his name. Kensington Luxury Properties, the Christie’s-affiliated real estate firm representing the sale, maintains the arrangement complied with all legal requirements despite its unconventional structure.
Notably, the timing of Epstein’s final $14.95 million wire transfer on July 5, 2019, has sparked speculation regarding his awareness of impending legal action. While Morocco’s lack of extradition treaty with the United States theoretically offered potential refuge, a former associate suggested the transaction indicated Epstein remained unaware of his imminent arrest. The transfer was canceled by Epstein’s accountant just three days following his detention, permanently halting the protracted acquisition process.
The released documents contain no explicit evidence that Epstein considered Morocco as a deliberate escape haven, though they detail his extensive network within the country’s expatriate community, including associations with Qatari royal family members.