The chairman of global ports giant DP World has resigned following mounting pressure over his extensive communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem’s departure marks a dramatic fall for a key figure in world trade, unraveled by a trail of emails spanning nearly a decade.
A Friendship Forged in Inbox
Newly released court files revealed the Emirati business tycoon exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein between 2007 and 2017. The correspondence, analyzed by BBC Arabic, paints a picture of a deep, trusting friendship. The two men regularly shared travel plans, business ideas, contacts, news, and jokes.
In a June 2013 email, Epstein described Bin Sulayem as “one of my most trusted friends.” They discussed ventures ranging from global business concepts to launching an Islamic digital currency in Dubai. Bin Sulayem also sought Epstein’s advice on personal health matters for himself and his family.
This communication continued even after Epstein’s first conviction in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Emails About Women and a “Massage Girl”
The emails show the two men frequently messaged about women and girls around them, though the context is not always clear. In one 2013 exchange, they compared the beauty of two women, deeming a Maldivian woman less attractive than a Ukrainian.
A more revealing 2017 email chain indicates Bin Sulayem arranged for Epstein’s “private masseuse” to receive “all kinds of treatments” training at a hotel in Turkey. A hotel contact confirmed being asked to provide a “comprehensive and complete training program” for the woman, who held a Russian passport.
In other emails, Bin Sulayem commented that he found Russian women the most beautiful, mentioned having Irish and Uzbek girlfriends, and shared sexually explicit and racist jokes with Epstein.
Lobbying and Powerful Connections
The emails suggest Bin Sulayem used Epstein as an informal conduit to British power. Epstein contacted senior British politician Lord Mandelson in an attempt to help Bin Sulayem’s company secure the contract to run London Gateway Port.
Documents show Lord Mandelson remained in contact with Epstein until at least late 2016. The email trail reveals a meeting was set up between Bin Sulayem and Lord Mandelson to persuade the UK government to back the DP World deal, with Epstein helping draft letters and sharing private email addresses.
Epstein also introduced Bin Sulayem via email to international figures like former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, and offered introductions to presidents of several African nations.
The Fallout and Resignation
The disclosure of these ties triggered immediate repercussions. Two US lawmakers had previously identified Bin Sulayem as one of six “powerful individuals” linked to Epstein. The business impact was swift.
- UK and Canadian development finance agencies canceled new investments in DP World.
- Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, which receives funding from DP World, reported the matter to the UK Charity Commission.
Facing intense scrutiny, DP World announced Bin Sulayem’s resignation, stating it was “effective immediately.” His image was scrubbed from the company website, closing a chapter for one of the world’s most influential port operators, brought down by a digital paper trail to a notorious criminal.
