Emirati Businessman Resigns After Epstein Emails Revealed

Rep. Massie's disclosure of Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's name in Epstein files leads to resignation from DP World

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, revealed that Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem was named in the Epstein files as the individual Jeffrey Epstein had emailed about a "torture video." Following Massie's disclosure, DP World, the logistics firm bin Sulayem chaired, announced his immediate resignation.

Why it matters

Massie has been a vocal advocate for the full release of the Epstein files, which have brought scrutiny to many powerful individuals named in the documents. While being named in the files does not automatically imply wrongdoing, the revelations have led to resignations and other fallout for those connected to Epstein.

The details

In an email from 2009, Epstein wrote to bin Sulayem saying "I loved the torture video," though the nature of the video is unknown. Lawmakers have been able to view the unredacted Epstein files, which contained bin Sulayem's name, though the DOJ had previously redacted it. Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, called for the DOJ to stop protecting bin Sulayem's identity, and the name was subsequently released.

  • On April 24, 2009, Epstein sent an email to bin Sulayem about a "torture video".
  • On Monday, Massie shared a screenshot of the email and called for the DOJ to make bin Sulayem's name public.
  • On Friday, DP World announced bin Sulayem's immediate resignation as Group Chairman and CEO.

The players

Thomas Massie

A Republican Representative from Kentucky who has been a vocal advocate for the full release of the Epstein files.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

An Emirati businessman who was named in the Epstein files as the recipient of an email from Epstein about a "torture video."

Ro Khanna

A Democratic Representative from California who has also been a leader on the Epstein files release.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking.

DP World

A logistics firm based in the United Arab Emirates, where bin Sulayem served as Group Chairman and CEO.

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What they’re saying

“DOJ redacted information necessary to identify who sent Epstein the 'torture video email.' @RepRoKhanna and I first discovered his name and released it Monday. Today he resigns.”

— Thomas Massie, Representative (X)

“@RepThomasMassie & I called on DOJ to stop protecting this man & underact his name. They relented. Then I took to the House floor to name names. Today, he resigns. We will not rest until there is elite accountability for the Epstein class.”

— Ro Khanna, Representative (X)

“You looked at the document. You know it's an email address that was redacted. The law requires redactions for personally identifiable information, including if in an email address. And you know that the Sultan's name is available unredacted in the files. See EFTA00666117. Be honest, and stop grandstanding.”

— Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General (X)

What’s next

More Epstein files are expected to be released in the coming months, which could prompt additional political, diplomatic and corporate fallout. Massie has continued pressing for full compliance with the release law.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts to hold powerful individuals accountable for their connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as the release of the Epstein files continues to have significant political and corporate consequences.