In early 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed millions of pages from the Epstein files, shining an unexpected spotlight on a figure who had largely stayed in the shadows. Karyna Shuliak, a dentist from Belarus now in her mid-30s, emerges not as a fleeting acquaintance but as Epstein’s last known romantic partner and the primary beneficiary of a secret trust he signed just two days before his death in August 2019.
The document, known as the “1953 Trust,” outlines an extraordinary bequest: $100 million for Shuliak, split between $50 million in immediate cash and a $50 million annuity. Beyond the money, she stood to receive a dazzling array of assets, including Epstein’s opulent Manhattan townhouse, his Paris apartment on Avenue Foch, the sprawling Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, and the two private islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A handwritten note even referenced a stunning 32.73-carat diamond ring—valued at over a million dollars—along with 48 loose diamonds, given “in contemplation of marriage.”
Shuliak’s name appears tens of thousands of times across the released records, highlighting her central role in Epstein’s daily life. She managed household affairs like an interior decorator, ordering furniture and staff uniforms, while coordinating meetings with influential figures. Emails portray her as both loyal companion and capable operator—sometimes nicknamed “The Inspector” for her attention to detail. Epstein reportedly helped facilitate her admission to Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine and supported her immigration journey, including a sham marriage that secured her U.S. residency and eventual citizenship.
Their relationship began around 2009 when Shuliak was in her early 20s. She remained by his side through the turbulent years leading up to his arrest, reportedly making one of the last calls he placed from jail. In the trust, Epstein expressed clear intent to provide for her generously, positioning her far above other named beneficiaries, including family members and select associates.
Yet the fortune remains elusive. Much of Epstein’s once $600+ million estate has been liquidated over the years to cover taxes, legal fees, and victim compensation funds. Authorities in the U.S. and France have frozen remaining assets, meaning Shuliak is unlikely to receive the full windfall originally envisioned. She has maintained a low profile since Epstein’s passing, living quietly in New York.
The revelations add a compelling new chapter to the Epstein story. While headlines often chase high-profile names, the documents quietly underscore how one relatively unknown woman quietly held a pivotal place in his final years—both personally and financially. In the labyrinth of intrigue surrounding Epstein’s empire, Karina Shuliak stands as the understated heiress who almost inherited it all.
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