Newly released US documents reveal Jeffrey Epstein attempted to buy a £13m Moroccan palace just days before his 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges, fuelling speculation he sought a lavish sanctuary beyond American reach. The disgraced financier wired £11m ($14.95m) on July 5, 2019 – the eve of his arrest at a New York airport – to secure Bin Ennakhil, a sprawling estate in Marrakech's upscale Palmeraie neighbourhood.
Described as an "architectural masterpiece", the palace was crafted over three years by 1,300 artisans, boasting intricate carvings, mosaics, 15 bedrooms (including seven for staff), three pools, rose and orange gardens, palm-lined paths, ornamental lakes, and marble fountains. Epstein's obsession with the property dated back to 2011, but disputes over its €55m asking price stalled talks. He ultimately agreed to €18m (£13.3m) for the offshore company owning it, marking his final major transaction before arrest.
Three days later, accountant Richard Kahn scrapped the transfer, and the deal collapsed. Morocco lacks an extradition treaty with the US, prompting local media to suggest Epstein saw it as an escape hatch amid mounting allegations.
Yet a former associate, speaking anonymously, said Epstein "had no clue" about impending charges, adding: "It would make sense if he was thinking of a potential sanctuary where he could still live like a king."
The files, unsealed last month by the US Department of Justice, contain no explicit mention of refuge plans. Epstein's Moroccan ties stretched to the early 2000s.
Accuser Virginia Giuffre recalled being flown to Tangier by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to scout luxury designs for his island home. In 2002, he attended King Mohammed VI's wedding alongside Maxwell, invited by Bill Clinton.
Post-2008 conviction for soliciting underage sex, Epstein's interest deepened. Documents show him asking ex-Labour minister Peter Mandelson in 2010 to source an assistant for a Marrakesh house hunt.
From 2012, he visited Palmeraie, mingling with elites like Qatari royal Jabor al Thani, his self-described "Arab brother." The BBC, which spoke to sources close to the deal, reported Epstein's girlfriend Karyna Shuliak spearheaded negotiations, visiting the property multiple times.
Focus locked on Bin Ennakhil – meaning "between the palm trees" – owned by German tycoon Gunter Kiss, dubbed "Mr Kiss" in emails. Initial lowball offers offended Kiss, halting direct contact.
Shuliak later bid under billionaire Leon Black's name to mask Epstein's involvement, but transparency emerged, and talks resumed. A proposed "sale and tax strategy" involved registering the sale at €10m while transacting €20m offshore to cut Moroccan taxes.
Marc Leon, of Kensington Luxury Properties, denied impropriety to the BBC, insisting Epstein opted to pay fees for personal ownership. The arrangement fizzled with Epstein's arrest. He died in custody weeks later, ruled a suicide.
