Newly released U.S. Justice Department files show that Jeffrey Epstein spent years trying to buy a luxury palace in Marrakech's Palmeraie. Despite prolonged negotiations, the deal collapsed months before his arrest in 2019. DR ‹ › Jeffrey Epstein spent years attempting to acquire a luxury property in Marrakech, according to newly released documents made public by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). These records are part of the largest document disclosure related to the late sex offender since a law mandated their release last year. More than three million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos were published on Friday. Among them are dozens of emails detailing Epstein's prolonged efforts to purchase a high-end property in Marrakech's Palmeraie. After reviewing several options in what one 2013 email described as Marrakech's «very limited market for ultra-luxury properties», Epstein ultimately set his sights on Bin Ennakhil, a palace located in the Palmeraie. «It is the best place», one email reads, noting that the residence was completed in 1995 and built using what was described as «the best European technology». Epstein showed strong interest in the property, requesting photographs and a «walk-through video of the house and the garden», with particular attention to the bathrooms, kitchen, and mechanical systems. Emails detailed how the Marrakech property featured exceptional craftsmanship, monumental volumes, and artistic uniqueness «impossible to replicate». The palace was repeatedly framed as a «work of art», appealing to buyers driven by cultural appreciation rather than financial logic. A near-purchase in Morocco Despite being impressed by the property, Epstein remained unconvinced by the asking price. «I understand the property is unique», he wrote, but said he could not justify its price. «I have looked at comparable sales, political risk insurance, and the country's financial risk. I'm not sure what I'm missing, but I can't get close to his €50 million number», he added, requesting concrete comparables in the Palmeraie, both properties on the market and those already sold. Documents show that negotiations over Bin Ennakhil, comparisons with other luxury estates, and attempts to persuade the owner to lower the price continued for years. Karyna Shuliak, described by several international media outlets as Epstein's girlfriend, was also mentioned in the process. She organized site visits, coordinated technical discussions, contacted experts, and led negotiations with local intermediaries. In a March 2019 email on Bin Ennakhil, Epstein was advised that although other offers existed, his was still considered «the most serious». Ultimately, the deal collapsed. By April 2019, negotiations over the Marrakech property had ceased. A few months later, in July 2019, Epstein was arrested. A letter from Morocco's General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) later confirmed that Epstein transited through Marrakech-Menara Airport on April 25, 2019, reportedly one of his final trips abroad. The timing raises a lingering question: was Epstein seeking refuge in Marrakech as his legal and financial empire began to unravel?
