How Epstein tried to buy a Moroccan palace months before his death
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jeffrey Epstein’s attempt to purchase a luxurious Moroccan palace highlights his intricate financial dealings and efforts to escape legal scrutiny as US federal charges loomed. The property, known as Bin Ennakhil, is a sprawling estate near Marrakesh featuring opulent features like marble fountains, gold-draped salons, and olive groves. Epstein signed a wire transfer request in July 2019 to acquire the palace, which is located in a country without an extradition treaty with the US. However, just two days later, he was arrested at Teterboro Airport on charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy.
The newly released US Department of Justice documents reveal that Epstein had been negotiating the purchase through complex offshore structures involving the British Virgin Islands and Liechtenstein. As his legal troubles intensified, financial institutions began to tighten their oversight of his accounts, rejecting wire transfers and escalating internal reviews. This marked a turning point for Epstein, who had long navigated the global financial system with ease but was now seeing his avenues for movement closing.
Epstein’s connection to Morocco dates back years, with evidence linking him to a network that included recruiters like Daniel Siad, described as a Swedish national of Algerian origin. Emails and testimonies from individuals connected to Epstein suggest that Morocco was part of his international network for procuring young women for massages and other services. This ties into Epstein’s long history of legal troubles, including a 2008 plea deal in Florida that shielded him from federal prosecution but allowed him to continue his lavish lifestyle.
The documents reviewed by Al Jazeera show that the purchase of Bin Ennakhil was not a straightforward real estate transaction but involved acquiring shares in a Liechtenstein company tied to the property through a British Virgin Islands trust. This elaborate structure underscores Epstein’s efforts to protect his assets and maintain privacy, even as he faced increasing scrutiny from authorities.
Epstein’s story is significant because it reveals the lengths to which powerful individuals will go
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026