Uncovering the DOJ Dossier: Jeffrey Epstein’s Manipulation of Immigration and Columbia University for Karina Shulyak

Newly released documents from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), made public in early 2026, have exposed a sophisticated and calculated scheme allegedly orchestrated by Jeffrey Epstein. The materials suggest that Epstein systematically manipulated U.S. immigration laws to benefit Karina Shulyak, a Belarusian dentist and one of his most trusted associates. These records provide a detailed look into how Epstein leveraged his influence to bypass legal hurdles for Shulyak’s personal gain.

The DOJ investigation indicates that the strategy relied on the use of sham marriages and specific visa arrangements to secure Shulyak’s legal residency and eventual American citizenship. These revelations highlight significant systemic vulnerabilities within the nation’s administrative frameworks, which the dossier claims were exploited to facilitate her stay under false pretenses. The documents paint a picture of a deliberate effort to circumvent standard legal protocols through high-level interference.

In addition to immigration fraud, the dossier reveals a highly irregular admission process for Shulyak at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Evidence shows that Jeffrey Epstein engaged in direct correspondence with the dean at the time, Ira Lamster, regarding her acceptance into the program. This communication notably coincided with a period when the university was actively soliciting substantial financial donations from Epstein, suggesting a transactional nature to her enrollment.

The timeline of Shulyak’s academic career at Columbia is particularly scrutinized. Although she was initially rejected for the dental school’s class of 2016, her status was abruptly changed to that of a transfer student, with her admission confirmed on May 3, 2012. She eventually graduated from the institution in 2015. In February 2026, Columbia University issued a statement admitting that her admission process did not meet the school’s "standards of integrity and independence," resulting in disciplinary actions against two individuals affiliated with the university.

The broader investigation spans a critical timeframe from 2010 to 2018. Shulyak’s involvement began in November 2010, when she first started attending English language courses in the United States. By 2012, serious questions regarding her immigration status arose, prompting Epstein to seek elite legal assistance. He reportedly recruited Ian Osborne and Greg Craig to facilitate contact with the head of the INS (now known as USCIS) to resolve her residency complications.

Legal efforts to secure her status were eventually successful through the work of immigration attorney Arda Beskardes. Beskardes was instrumental in Shulyak obtaining her Green Card in January 2015 and her subsequent U.S. citizenship in 2018. It is significant to note that in 2022, Beskardes was suspended from practicing law in New York for one year due to the improper execution of professional duties, adding further controversy to the legal team Epstein employed.

The financial details surrounding Shulyak are equally extensive within the DOJ dossier. She was identified as the primary beneficiary of the "1953 Trust," which Epstein signed just two days before his death in August 2019. Her estimated share of the trust is valued at $100 million, a figure that includes a $50 million annuity and a 33-carat diamond ring. During the period of her university admission, Epstein had also discussed a potential donation to the school ranging between $5 million and $6 million.

In response to the growing scandal, Columbia University announced a $105,000 contribution to two New York-based non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting victims of sexual assault and human trafficking. This move brought the total amount of redirected Epstein-linked funds to $210,000, which includes a $100,000 donation made to a fund named after Ira Lamster in August 2012. The university continues to face scrutiny over its historical ties to the financier.

Former Dean Ira Lamster has since acknowledged that he notified the admissions committee of Shulyak’s interest because the school was "pursuing a major gift from J.E.," a move he described as "logical" for the institution’s interests. Furthermore, Dr. Thomas Magnani, a former member of the admissions committee, was officially removed from all Columbia University affiliate structures in February 2026 as part of the university's accountability measures.

The DOJ materials also name several other key figures associated with Epstein’s estate. His brother, Mark Epstein, and the currently incarcerated Ghislaine Maxwell were both listed as recipients of $10 million each from the trust. Additionally, Epstein’s personal attorney Darren Indyke and his accountant Richard Kahn were allocated $50 million and $25 million, respectively. These insights, extracted from over three million pages of documentation, continue to illustrate the extent to which Epstein exploited elite institutions and administrative systems.