In brief
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has stepped down as CEO and chairman of DP World following revelations of his extensive email exchanges with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation occurs amid intensifying scrutiny and pressure from associated businesses, leading to DP World's decision to suspend new investments. The emails revealed a close relationship and discussions regarding various business ventures and personal matters. Although Sulayem denies any wrongdoing, his exit marks a significant development for the global ports operator.
The head of global ports operator DP World has left the company after mounting pressure over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's exit as chairman and chief executive comes after newly-released files showed the Emirati mogul appears to have exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein over a decade.Being mentioned in the files is not a sign of any wrongdoing, and the BBC has approached Sulayem for a comment.DP World announced his resignation, 'effective immediately', on Friday, naming Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive. A photograph of Sulayem appeared to have been removed from its website.DP World, the Dubai-owned logistics giant that runs port terminals across six continents and plays a significant role in global trade infrastructure, has come under increasing pressure over recent days from businesses it works with.Earlier this week, the UK development finance agency and Canada's second largest pension fund La Caisse said they were suspending new investment into the firm.The Prince of Wales' Earthshot project, which received funding from DP World, was reported to the UK Charity Commission after Sulayem appeared in the files.The documents reveal what appears to have been a close and wide-ranging relationship between one of the Gulf's most influential business figures and Epstein. They indicate Epstein introduced Sulayem to various international figures from politics and business by email, and that Sulayem gave the Prince of Wales a tour of DP World's London Gateway port in 2016. Sulayem was also accused by two US lawmakers, Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, of being one of 'six powerful men' who were associated with the disgraced financier.Emails show Sulayem discussed business ideas around the world with Epstein and sought advice on health matters concerning his family. The vast email exchange included numerous messages regarding women, with context often unclear, as well as plans to meet with senior political figures.As the fallout continues, Sulayem’s relationships with Epstein and the implications for DP World remain under scrutiny.
