For years, Dr. Karyna Shuliak stayed away from public attention despite being one of the closest people in Jeffrey Epstein’s life. That changed in 2026 after the US Department of Justice released millions of pages of investigation records, revealing emails, financial documents and photographs connected to Epstein’s personal relationships.
The newly released files brought Shuliak’s name back into the spotlight because they described an eight-year relationship between the Belarus-born dentist and the disgraced financier. The documents also showed that Epstein left her a significant share of his estate before his death in 2019. Although the exact amount is still uncertain, multiple reports suggest she could inherit up to $100 million from Epstein’s estate. After compensation payments to victims, the remaining estate is now estimated to be worth between $120 million and $200 million.
Who Is Karyna Shuliak?
Karyna Shuliak is a Belarus-born dentist who moved to New York in 2010 on a student visa. Before coming to the United States she had done most of her dental education in Minsk and hoped to continue her studies in America while working to support herself.
In her first year in New York, she worked as a dental assistant, improving her English and looking for avenues to pursue further education.
Her life changed in 2011 when she met Jeffrey Epstein through a mutual acquaintance. According to documents reviewed by multiple US media outlets, their relationship continued until Epstein’s death in August 2019.
How Did Karyna Shuliak Meet Jeffrey Epstein?
According to the released records, Shuliak met Epstein in Manhattan in March 2011.
The documents suggest Epstein quickly offered to help her achieve her dream of becoming a dentist in the United States. At first, she reportedly refused his assistance because she was uncomfortable with his past criminal history. Even so, Epstein continued contacting her, and over the following months the relationship became increasingly close.
As time passed, Epstein paid for international trips, living expenses and other personal costs. The emails also indicate that he regularly sent financial support to her parents in Belarus.
One thing that stands out from the documents is that over time, the relationship shifted to becoming one about more than just financial support. Shuliak began to take on practical responsibilities around Epstein’s homes and day-to-day matters, indicating she had become part of his inner circle.
Education And Dental Career
Shuliak wanted to complete her dental education in the United States, but gaining admission was not straightforward.
According to the investigation files, Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine initially rejected her application. The documents claim Epstein later contacted influential university figures and discussed making a large donation. University records reportedly show that he eventually donated around $210,000.
The files also contain messages suggesting school officials shared details about parts of an entrance examination before Shuliak took it. Those allegations have received renewed attention following the release of the DOJ records.
She was eventually admitted to Columbia, completed her dental studies in 2015 and later obtained licences to practise dentistry in several US jurisdictions, including New York.
After returning to New York in 2023, she completed a postdoctoral programme at Columbia and received her New York dental licence in 2025. She briefly worked at a dental clinic in Brooklyn before leaving the position in early 2026.
How Epstein Helped Her Stay In The US
One of the most controversial claims in the newly released files concerns Shuliak’s immigration status.
The documents state that after overstaying her student visa, Epstein allegedly arranged a same-sex marriage between Shuliak and one of his female assistants so she could obtain permanent residency in the United States.
Immigration paperwork was later approved, her deportation proceedings were dropped, and she received a Green Card before becoming a US citizen in 2018.
A later congressional report cited claims from the former spouse that the marriage had been arranged and that she had not fully understood its purpose at the time. Those allegations have added another layer of scrutiny to the case.
Life During Epstein’s Final Years
By 2019, Shuliak was reportedly spending much of her time at Epstein’s New York residence.
Beyond their personal relationship, the released documents suggest she helped organise staff, supervised maintenance work, arranged furnishings for several properties and assisted with everyday management.
The records also indicate that she accompanied Epstein on international trips shortly before his arrest in July 2019.
When federal agents arrested Epstein after his return to the United States, Shuliak was still travelling in Europe.
The Last Phone Call Before Epstein’s Death
According to investigation records, Shuliak was the final person Epstein spoke to by phone before he died.
During a call from the Manhattan Correctional Center in August 2019, Epstein reportedly told her that his legal case would take longer than expected and advised her to find another place to stay.
The following morning, on 10 August 2019, Epstein was found dead inside his jail cell. Authorities ruled his death a suicide.
Because Shuliak received that final phone call, her name has continued to appear whenever discussions about Epstein’s last days return to the headlines.
Could Karyna Shuliak Inherit Epstein’s Fortune?
Shortly before his death, Epstein amended his will.
The updated documents named Shuliak as one of the beneficiaries of his estate and also referred to a 33-carat diamond ring that was reportedly intended for her “in contemplation of marriage.”
After settlements with victims, the remaining estate is estimated to be worth between $120 million and $200 million. Multiple reports suggest Shuliak could inherit up to $100 million from Epstein’s estate, although the exact amount has not been publicly confirmed because the final distribution among beneficiaries remains unresolved.
Where Is Karyna Shuliak Now?
According to recent reports, Karyna Shuliak continues to live in Manhattan, New York.
She has remained largely out of public view despite renewed attention following the release of the DOJ files. Reports also suggest she maintained connections with members of the Epstein family while continuing her dental career.
Patients at the Brooklyn clinic where she briefly worked reportedly knew her simply as “Dr. Karyna” and were unaware of her connection to Epstein until the investigation records became public.
Why Is Karyna Shuliak Trending?
Karyna Shuliak returned to international headlines in 2026 after the US Department of Justice released millions of pages of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
The records revealed new details about their relationship, financial arrangements, education, immigration history and estate planning. They also renewed public interest because Shuliak was reportedly the last person Epstein spoke to before his death and could inherit a substantial portion of his remaining fortune.
Although the newly released files have generated widespread discussion, Shuliak has not been identified by US authorities as a co-conspirator in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation, nor has she publicly described herself as one of his victims.
Also Read: Who Is Sonia Sehrawat? Meet the RAF Officer Who Went Viral After the CJP Protest
