DP World Group is facing increased pressure after its chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, appears in recent files relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after British development bank British International Investment (BII) and a major Canadian pension fund announced they would halt new investments in the group.
Freezing new investments
BII confirmed in a statement that it will not proceed with any new investments with Dubai Bay World until the situation is clarified and the company takes the necessary steps. A foundation spokeswoman said it was “shocked by the allegations” contained in Epstein’s file, adding that the decision was taken within the framework of the foundation’s commitment to standards of governance and transparency.
Canada Pension Fund La Caze also announced that it would temporarily stop injecting additional capital into the group until sufficient explanations and “necessary measures” are taken.
According to BII data, the company has partnered with DP World to invest in four ports within Africa.
your name will appear on the document
Bin Sulayem’s name appears in millions of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice that reveal Epstein’s network of relationships with prominent figures in politics, finance and business, according to a report by U.S. lawmakers.
Emails recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice show that Sultan bin Sulayem exchanged bold messages with Epstein before he was jailed in 2008, and continued to do so for more than a decade after he was convicted on charges including promoting prostitution with minors.
These messages also indicate that the parties were exchanging contact information for entities in the business and political spheres and attempting to enter into transactions with each other. The letters contain explicit references to sexual affairs and indicate that Ben Sulayem frequently wrote to Epstein about visits to private islands in the Caribbean and even helped make some arrangements when Epstein was planning to establish a private resort.
Official silence and constant surveillance
DP World declined to comment on the publication, and bin Sulayem did not immediately respond to media inquiries through his LinkedIn account. McLaren Group, the group’s logistics partner for F1 races from 2023, also did not comment on whether it was reassessing its relationship with the company.
global logistics empire
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem led DP World through a period of massive expansion that made it one of the world’s largest logistics services companies and is considered one of Dubai’s most prominent businessmen. The group confirms that it controls about 10% of global trade through operations spread across Canada, Peru, India and Angola, among others.
Its name can be found on the uniforms of Australian and South African sports teams, as well as sponsoring major sporting events such as the European Golf Tour.
In addition to his role as Group Chairman, Mr. Bin Sulayem holds several leadership positions, including Chairman of the Board of the Dubai World Chamber and Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority. He helped establish the Dubai Multi Commodity Center and was one of the founders of Palm Islands developer Nakheel.
Dubai Ports World is under increasing pressure following announcements by British International Investment (BII) and a major Canadian pension fund to suspend new investments amid mention of chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem in recent filings relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Suspension of new investments
BII confirmed in a statement that it will not proceed with any new investment with Dubai Ports World until the situation becomes clearer and the company takes the necessary steps. A spokesperson for the agency said it was “shocked by the allegations” contained in Epstein’s file, adding that the decision was made as part of its commitment to governance and transparency standards.
Canadian pension fund La Ques also announced it would suspend further capital injections into the group until sufficient explanation and “necessary measures” are taken.
According to BII data, BII is investing in four ports within Africa in partnership with Dubai Ports World.
Your name will appear on the document
Bin Sulayem’s name appears in millions of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, revealing Epstein’s network of connections with prominent figures in politics, finance and business, U.S. lawmakers said.
Emails recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice show that Sultan bin Sulayem exchanged bold messages with Epstein before he was jailed in 2008, and continued more than a decade after he was convicted on charges including promoting prostitution with a minor.
The messages also indicate that the two exchanged contact information with business and political figures and attempted to do business with each other. These messages contain explicit references to sexual events and suggest that bin Sulayem wrote to Epstein about visiting private islands in the Caribbean and even helped make some arrangements when Epstein often planned to establish private resorts.
Official silence and continued scrutiny
Dubai Ports World declined to comment on the information released, and Bin Sulayem did not immediately respond to media inquiries through his LinkedIn account. McLaren Group, the group’s logistics partner for F1 races from 2023, also did not comment on whether it was reviewing its relationship with the company.
world logistics empire
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem is one of Dubai’s most prominent businessmen and has led Dubai Ports World through a major expansion phase that has made it one of the world’s largest logistics services companies. The group claims to control about 10% of global trade through operations spread across Canada, Peru, India, Angola and elsewhere.
Its name is also recognized as a sponsor of major sporting events such as the European Golf Tour, and is featured on the jerseys of sports teams in Australia and South Africa.
In addition to his role with the Group, Mr. Bin Sulayem has held several leadership positions, including leadership of the Dubai World Chamber of Commerce, Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, was instrumental in establishing the Dubai Multi-Commodity Center, and was one of the founders of Nakheel, the Palm Islands developer.
