In brief
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has resigned as the chairman and chief executive of DP World following the emergence of documents linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. His correspondence with Epstein over a decade has raised concerns, leading to investment suspensions from notable firms. The resignation highlights the ongoing scrutiny over the connections between high-profile individuals and the disgraced financier.
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.
And 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.
The emails 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 accused by two US lawmakers of being one of six powerful men associated with the disgraced financier. Their correspondence shows that Sulayem sought Epstein's advice on personal matters over the years.
Additionally, the emails depict conversations about women and indicate Sulayem made arrangements related to Epstein's activities. The correspondence underscores the extent of their interaction, with talks of business ventures and introductions to political figures.
Epstein's influence appears significant as he acted as an intermediary for Sulayem on various deals and connections in the business sector. Despite the controversies surrounding Epstein, Sulayem maintained his relationship until at least 2017.
