Epstein's Final Will: The $100 Million Legacy Left to Belarusian Dentist Karina Shulyak

Just forty-eight hours before his death, Jeffrey Epstein finalized a legal will that would leave a staggering fortune to his Belarusian partner, Karina Shulyak. The inheritance outlined in the document included a direct cash payment of $100 million, the ownership of his private islands, Little St. James and Great St. James in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a magnificent diamond ring featuring a stone weighing approximately 32.73 carats.

Karina Shulyak, a professional dentist originally from Minsk, Belarus, had been an intimate part of the disgraced financier’s life for over nine years. Their relationship, which began in 2010, eventually positioned her as the central figure in Epstein's final legal arrangements in 2019. This marked a significant shift in his estate planning, elevating her status above all other potential beneficiaries in his final days.

Shulyak’s journey in the United States began in 2009 when she arrived at the age of 20. A year later, she connected with Epstein online, where he used the pseudonym Russian Bear Vasily Malikov. Following Epstein's release from prison regarding a case involving the prostitution of a minor, Shulyak remained one of his few steadfast supporters while others distanced themselves. In return, Epstein financed her education at Columbia University’s dental school, assisted with her professional licensing, and provided substantial financial aid for her family, including her mother’s medical treatments and her parents' home through transfers of $10,000 to $20,000 between 2013 and 2016.

The bond between the two was reportedly tumultuous and characterized by Shulyak’s strict oversight of Epstein’s domestic life, earning her the nickname the inspector. She frequently demanded that he sever ties with other women and monitored his daily activities closely. Internal communications revealed deep-seated conflicts; Epstein allegedly complained about a lack of intimacy and even physical altercations, such as an incident in 2017 where she reportedly struck him in the face. Despite these tensions, Epstein moved forward with plans for marriage, symbolized by the 33-carat diamond ring.

In a move widely believed to be a sham for immigration purposes, Shulyak married Jennifer Kalin, an associate of Epstein, in 2013. This marriage lasted until 2019 and served to secure her residency in the United States. During her years with Epstein, she resided in his various estates across New York, New Mexico, and Little St. James. Following his 2019 arrest, she was the only person besides his legal counsel to visit him in custody, and he famously broke prison regulations to call her just hours before he was found dead.

On August 8, 2019, two days prior to his suicide, Epstein established the 1953 Trust, an estate valued at over $577 million. Shulyak was named the primary beneficiary, slated to receive $100 million—split between a $50 million immediate payment and a $50 million annuity. The trust also granted her the Virgin Islands properties, a ranch in New Mexico, and luxury residences in New York, Paris, and Palm Beach, along with a collection of 43 to 48 diamonds.

This final version of the will represented a massive increase in Shulyak's share compared to Epstein's earlier plans from January 2019. In that previous iteration, the financier had intended to distribute $225 million among 32 different individuals. The last-minute revision consolidated a vast portion of his wealth specifically for Shulyak, highlighting her unique standing and the influence she maintained until the very end of his life.

Ultimately, the promised assets never reached Shulyak, as the estate was liquidated to provide compensation for Epstein’s victims. Now 36 years old, Shulyak continues to live in New York and practice dentistry while engaging in legal battles to claim any remaining portions of the inheritance. The full extent of her involvement and the specifics of their relationship have only recently come to light through U.S. Department of Justice documents released between 2025 and 2026, sparking renewed interest in her role.