The British Development Finance Corporation (BII) and a major Canadian pension fund have suspended new investments with DP World, after the name of its Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, was mentioned in files linked to Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of sex crimes, while the Emirati group faces increasing pressure amid political and media scrutiny of its global relationships and partnerships.
Published on: 02/12/2026 - 03:19
The British development finance institution British International Investment (BII) and the second largest pension fund in Canada on Wednesday froze any new investments with the Dubai Ports World (DP World) group, after the name of its Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem was mentioned in recently published files that potentially link him to Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of sex crimes, which increases the pressure on the group.
Members of the US Congress explained that Bin Sulayem’s name appeared in those files, which reopened the door to scrutiny of his previous relations with the deceased Epstein.
The files indicate that the two men's connections continued for more than a decade after Epstein's conviction in 2008, and are part of millions of documents published by the US Department of Justice that revealed his extensive network of relationships with prominent figures in politics, finance, academia and business.
The documents show that emails and text correspondence appeared to reflect discussions between the two parties about business, talk of sex, and arrangements to visit Epstein's island in the Caribbean.
It is indicated in the files that the inclusion of names of people in them is not evidence of their involvement in any criminal activity.
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DP World declined to comment on what was published, and Bin Sulayem has not yet responded to a request for comment sent to his account on the LinkedIn platform.
For its part, BII announced the suspension of any new investments with the DP World Group.
“We are shocked by the allegations that have emerged in the Epstein files regarding Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem... In light of these allegations, we will not make any new investments with Dubai Bay World until the company takes the necessary measures,” an email from a BIA spokesperson said.
BII data indicate that the corporation invests alongside Dubai Bay World in four ports in Africa.
The Canadian Pension Fund, La Case, said in a statement that it would “stop injecting any additional capital into the company” until Dubai Bay World provides clarifications of the situation and takes “necessary measures.”
Read also: The documents in the Epstein case affect the reputation of the head of the Arab World Institute in France, Jack Lange, and his daughter, Caroline
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem is considered one of the most prominent businessmen in Dubai, as he led the DP World group during a major expansion phase that made it one of the largest logistics companies in the world.
The group states in its data that it manages about 10% of global trade, and its operations cover different regions around the world, including Canada, Peru, India, and Angola.
The group is also associated with sponsoring a major professional golf tour in Europe, and has been a logistical partner for the McLaren Formula 1 team since 2023, while its logo appears on the shirts of cricketers in South Africa and football players in Australia.
The McLaren Group has so far refrained from commenting on whether it is reevaluating its relationship with the Emirati company.
In addition to his presidency of DP World, Bin Sulayem holds the presidency of the Board of Directors of the Dubai World Chamber, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, in addition to other positions.
According to the biography published on the group’s website, Bin Sulayem’s projects include establishing the “Nakheel” real estate company, the developer responsible for Dubai’s famous palm-shaped islands, as well as his participation in establishing the Dubai Multi Commodities Center.
France 24/Reuters
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