Dubai’s DP World boss removed from post over Epstein
DP World, the giant of Dubai port, announced that its chairman and managing director, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, resigned; This announcement comes after mounting pressure over his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Bin Sulayem, one of the Middle East’s most prominent businessmen, is among the most high-profile executives to be scrutinized and dismissed following the recent release of the Epstein files.
Dubai’s ruler also issued a decree on Friday appointing a new chairman for Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, one of several roles previously held by Bin Sulayem.
DP World has appointed Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as group chief executive officer, Dubai Media Office reported earlier.
Bin Sulayem’s name appears in documents released by the US Justice Department, members of the US Congress said, raising renewed questions about his past interactions with Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Reuters could not independently verify the allegations in the files.
Bin Sulayem oversaw the transformation of DP World into one of the world’s largest port and logistics operators. The company says it handles about 10 percent of global containerized trade, with operations covering countries such as Canada, Peru, India and Angola.
But pressure is mounting on the Emirati logistics firm after two companies, the UK development finance agency and Canada’s second-largest pension fund, said this week they would suspend all new investments with DP World over Bin Sulayem’s allegations with Epstein.
New president Kazim currently serves as governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre. Narayan, who joined DP World in 2004 and most recently served as deputy CEO and CFO, has held many senior roles within the company.
The Epstein files, among millions of files released by the U.S. Department of Justice, suggest an intimate relationship with Bin Sulayem spanning more than a decade after Epstein was convicted in 2008 on prostitution charges involving an underage girl.
The documents include emails and text messages showing discussions between Epstein and Bin Sulayem about business, sex and plans for Epstein to visit the Caribbean island.
The documents show the late financier’s network of relationships with leading figures in politics, finance, academia and business. The presence of his name on file is not evidence of criminal activity.
Epstein was found dead in his New York prison cell in August 2019, where he was being held on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging.
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