Karyna Shuliak, a Belarusian-born dentist and Jeffrey Epstein's longtime companion and the primary beneficiary of his final trust, has returned to public attention as scrutiny deepens into around three million pages of US Department of Justice files released in early 2026, shedding fresh light on her relationship with the disgraced financier. Just before his death, Epstein named Shuliak as the heir to his assets worth up to USD 100 million, including luxury properties and a multi-million-dollar diamond ring.
Latest records portray Shuliak as one of the closest figures in Epstein's inner circle during the final eight years of his life. They show her not only as his romantic partner but also as a confidante, property manager and financial dependent. The files also reveal how Epstein shaped nearly every aspect of her adult life, from her education and immigration status to her professional career and financial security.NAMED HEIR TO EPSTEIN'S MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR ESTATE
According to the documents, Epstein amended his will just days before his death by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019, naming Shuliak the chief beneficiary of a trust estimated to be worth up to USD 100 million (around Rs 962 crore). The estate included his Manhattan townhouse, an apartment in Paris, a ranch in New Mexico, private islands in the US Virgin Islands and a 32-carat diamond ring purchased for USD 1.2 million "in contemplation of marriage," the New York Times reported.
Despite being designated as the principal heir, Shuliak is unlikely to receive the inheritance. Large portions of Epstein's estate, estimated to be worth between USD 120 million and USD 200 million, have been frozen and are being used to fund compensation for victims of his sex-trafficking and abuse.
The Justice Department files identify Shuliak as the last person Epstein spoke to before his death. While they place her at the centre of his personal and financial world, investigators have not accused her of participating in Epstein's criminal activities. Nor has she been identified as one of his victims.Shuliak was the last person Epstein spoke to before his suicide. (Photo: US Justice Department)FROM BELARUS TO NEW YORK
Shuliak's association with Epstein began after she moved from Belarus to New York. Originally a dental student at Minsk University, she travelled to the US on a student visa to study English while working as a dental assistant. Epstein, who was known to favour women from Eastern Europe, invited her to the US, promising to help her continue her education and secure her immigration status.
The two met in 2011, when Shuliak was 21 and Epstein was 58. Their relationship continued until Epstein's death in 2019.
The documents suggest Epstein played a decisive role in shaping Shuliak's professional future. After Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine initially rejected her application, Epstein used his wealth, donations and influential associates to help secure her admission through what investigators described as an irregular admissions process.
According to the records, Epstein arranged a donation of about USD 210,000 to the university and enlisted prominent alumni connected to the dental school to support her application. He also financed her tuition, allowing Shuliak to complete her dental education and later obtain licences to practise in the US Virgin Islands, Florida, New Mexico and eventually New York.A SHAM MARRIAGE TO SECURE US RESIDENCY
The files further reveal how Epstein helped Shuliak remain in the US by arranging a same-sex marriage with one of his female associates after she overstayed her student visa.
The marriage took place in October 2013, just days before Shuliak's scheduled deportation hearing. According to congressional investigators, the union was potentially "illusory" and designed to help her obtain permanent residency. The couple also maintained joint bank accounts and travelled together to reinforce the appearance of a genuine marriage.
Shuliak became a naturalised US citizen in May 2018 before divorcing her spouse the following year. Although congressional investigators later questioned the legitimacy of the marriage, US immigration authorities have not challenged her citizenship.Shuliak with the woman she married in 2013. (Photo: US Justice Department)MANAGING EPSTEIN'S ASSETS, EMOTIONAL DEPENDENCE
Beyond their personal relationship, the newly released files show that Shuliak became deeply involved in Epstein's day-to-day affairs. Emails and investigative records indicate she managed household staff, supervised renovation and interior design projects, coordinated deliveries and oversaw logistics across several of Epstein's residences.
Her responsibilities extended to Little St James, Epstein's private island in the US Virgin Islands, where she oversaw the installation of a fully equipped dental office after qualifying as a dentist. Staff members viewed her as one of the most trusted managers within Epstein's organisation because of her extensive involvement in his personal affairs, the NYT reports.
The documents also describe a relationship marked by emotional dependence and substantial financial support. Epstein is found to have transferred nearly USD 1 million to Shuliak during their relationship and sent tens of thousands of dollars to her parents in Belarus. He is also said to have paid for her mother's medical treatment in New York and helped improve her family's living conditions.
