Emirati Billionaire Exits DP World Due To Disturbing Epstein Emails

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the Emirati billionaire who once donated £1 million to Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, has stepped down from his role as chairman and chief executive of DP World.

The move comes after the release of documents linking him to troubling email and text exchanges with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, involving discussions of sex, escorts, and a disturbing torture video.

Sulayem, 71, had overseen DP World for nearly two decades, transforming the Dubai-based logistics giant and amassing an estimated $7 billion fortune.

He was also named a “Global Alliance Founding Partner” of the Earthshot Prize, a climate-focused charity backed by Prince William and David Attenborough.

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Disturbing Correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein

The recently released tranche of Epstein Files revealed that Sulayem communicated regularly with Epstein for years. Emails and messages detailed explicit sexual content, including pornography, fetish websites, and discussions of encounters with women.

In one shocking email, Epstein wrote, “Where are you? are you ok, I loved the torture video.”

Six years after Epstein’s release from jail for child prostitution offenses, Sulayem reportedly suggested a family visit and sent links to pornographic sites, according to U.S. Department of Justice documents.

Other exchanges show the two men sharing detailed descriptions of women, including ages, weights, heights, and bra sizes.

In one 2013 email, Sulayem asked Epstein if a woman “is a he??,” to which Epstein responded, “the hands do look like mine.” Similar messages from 2015 and 2017 recount sexual experiences and links to escort services.

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Connections to the Earthshot Prize Under Scrutiny

Sulayem’s donations and public appearances with Prince William have drawn attention in the wake of the revelations.

He attended the 2022 Earthshot Prize Innovation Showcase in Dubai alongside the Prince, and DP World is listed as a founding partner of the charity, contributing at least £1 million.

The UK’s anti-monarchy pressure group Republic called for a full investigation into the links between Sulayem, Epstein, and the Earthshot Prize.

CEO Graham Smith emphasized that due diligence on donors is crucial, especially when intelligence regarding their character was likely available to the Foreign Office and security services.

A Charity Commission spokesperson confirmed they are aware of the concerns and are reviewing the information to determine possible next steps.

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DP World Leadership Changes

DP World issued a brief statement announcing new leadership, naming Essa Kazim as the chair of the board and Yuvraj Narayan as the chief executive officer.

The statement made no direct mention of Sulayem or the reasons behind his departure, though the timing aligns with the release of the Epstein Files.

DP World, which operates P&O Ferries and sponsors the European Golf Tour, has been a major player in global logistics for decades. Sulayem’s departure marks the end of an era for the company.

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Public and Political Reaction

The revelations have sparked outrage among lawmakers and the public. Republican Representative Thomas Massie identified Sulayem as the recipient of the email praising a torture video.

Critics question how such a high-profile donor maintained connections with both Prince William’s charity and a convicted sex offender without scrutiny.

The emerging controversy highlights ongoing concerns about transparency, ethics, and oversight for global philanthropic initiatives, especially when high-profile figures and massive donations are involved.

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What’s Next?

Investigations are expected from multiple angles. The UK Charity Commission will assess whether any regulatory action is warranted for the Earthshot Prize.

Meanwhile, public and media scrutiny of Sulayem’s past interactions with Epstein is likely to intensify, prompting further questions about due diligence and governance within high-profile charitable organizations.

DP World’s future strategy under its new leadership, and the continued involvement of prominent donors with the Earthshot Prize, will also be closely watched in light of these revelations.

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Summary

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the Emirati billionaire and long-time chairman and CEO of DP World, has stepped down after documents revealed his disturbing communications with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Emails detailed discussions of sex, escorts, and a torture video.

Sulayem was a major donor to Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, prompting calls from anti-monarchy groups and lawmakers for investigations into the charity’s donor vetting.

DP World announced new leadership, and the UK Charity Commission is reviewing the matter to determine possible next steps.