Epstein's Posthumous Plans for Party Island Revealed

Disgraced financier's last-known girlfriend Karyna Shuliak set to inherit properties, including notorious 'Pedo Island'

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:31pm

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Jeffrey Epstein's last will and testament, signed two days before his death in 2019, revealed plans to distribute his vast fortune and properties, including his infamous private island Little Saint James, to his last-known girlfriend Karyna Shuliak and other associates. However, the majority of Epstein's intended beneficiaries did not ultimately receive his money or assets due to ongoing legal battles and victim settlements.

Why it matters

The revelations about Epstein's posthumous plans shed further light on the disgraced financier's complex web of relationships and assets, which have been the subject of intense public scrutiny and legal proceedings since his death. The details highlight Epstein's efforts to shield his wealth and properties from public view, as well as the challenges faced by his victims in seeking justice and compensation.

The details

According to the newly released documents, Epstein's updated will placed his fortune in the 1953 Trust, which was set to distribute $288 million to at least 44 beneficiaries, including Shuliak, Epstein's longtime pilot Lawrence Visoski Jr., his lawyer Darren Indyke, and his accountant Richard Kahn. Shuliak, a Belarus native, was slated to receive $50 million and several of Epstein's properties, including Little Saint James, Great Saint James, his New York City penthouse, Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, his Palm Beach residence, and his Parisian apartment. She was also set to receive a 33-carat diamond ring and 48 loose diamonds. However, due to ongoing legal battles and victim settlements, Epstein's estate only has $127 million remaining, and the majority of his intended beneficiaries did not receive their planned distributions.

  • Epstein signed an updated will two days before he died by suicide in August 2019.
  • In 2020, the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program was established as an alternative to civil litigation, and about $121 million was paid out to over 135 people by the time the program was sunsetted in 2021.
  • The newly uncovered trust agreement was part of the Justice Department's ongoing release of files related to Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The players

Karyna Shuliak

Epstein's last-known girlfriend, who was set to inherit $50 million and several of his properties, including his notorious private island Little Saint James.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's longtime accomplice, who was set to receive $10 million from his estate, but is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.

Darren Indyke

Epstein's lawyer, who was to be left $50 million as co-executor of Epstein's estate.

Richard Kahn

Epstein's accountant, who was to get $25 million as co-executor of Epstein's estate.

Mark Epstein

Epstein's brother, who was supposed to get $10 million to be put in a trust for his children.

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What’s next

The Justice Department has stated that its obligations in releasing documents related to Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act have been completed, with only half of the 6 million pages it collected being made public so far.

The takeaway

Epstein's posthumous plans highlight the lengths he went to shield his wealth and properties from public view, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by his victims in seeking justice and compensation, even years after his death.