News|CrimeHow Epstein tried to buy a Moroccan palace months before his deathAs US federal charges loomed for Epstein, newly released documents show offshore structuring and rejected bank transfers.
## Financial Transactions and Real Estate
Financial Transactions and Real Estate
Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Jeffrey Epstein was negotiating the acquisition of Bin Ennakhil, a Moroccan estate, through a complex offshore financial structure involving entities in the British Virgin Islands and Liechtenstein. The negotiations were ongoing in February 2019, five months before Epstein's arrest.
The transaction was structured to involve acquiring shares in a Liechtenstein company connected to the property through a British Virgin Islands trust, with the aim of saving 7% in government taxes. The proposed buyer was identified as "The Haze Trust," and the price under discussion was approximately 25 million euros ($29.5 million).
In March 2019, Deutsche Bank rejected a wire transfer tied to Epstein. Although the exact reason for the rejection is not specified, Deutsche Bank was in the process of closing Epstein's accounts at that time. Subsequently, Epstein turned to Charles Schwab, which opened three accounts for Epstein-linked companies in April 2019, including one for Southern Trust, the entity attempting to purchase the Moroccan palace.
Department of Justice reveal that Jeffrey Epstein was negotiating the acquisition of Bin Ennakhil, a Moroccan estate, through a complex offshore financial structure involving entities in the British Virgin Islands and Liechtenstein.
On June 26, 2019, Southern Trust attempted to wire approximately 11.15 million euros ($12.7 million) to a Swiss account held by Marc Leon, the realtor handling the sale. However, the funds were requested to be returned the next day, and the transfer was subsequently reversed.
Legal Proceedings and Epstein's Arrest
Jeffrey Epstein was arrested on July 6, 2019, at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. Investigators seized electronic devices from his properties in New York, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A search of his Manhattan townhouse yielded evidence of sex trafficking and numerous photographs of young girls.
Epstein's request for release on a $100 million bond was denied by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman, citing Epstein as a danger to the community and a flight risk. Epstein remained detained at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, where he was later found deceased. His death was ruled a suicide by the New York City medical examiner.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
