Head of Taliban Contractor DP World Resigns Amid Epstein Scandal
Sultan Ahmed bin Suleiman, chairman of Dubai-based DP World, resigned following the disclosure of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious U.S. sex offender. DP World, one of the companies contracted by the Taliban, came under intense pressure after the revelations.
Dubai's government media office announced, without directly naming bin Suleiman, the appointment of Issa Kazim as the new chairman of the board and Yuvraj Narayan as group CEO. The changes followed international companies severing ties with DP World after Epstein-related documents surfaced. La Caisse, Canada's second-largest pension fund, halted its investments in the company, and a British investment platform stopped future investments.
Bin Suleiman, a prominent Emirati businessman often seen with Dubai's ruler and photographed with Donald Trump, had been CEO of Dubai's largest port operator since 2016 and chairman since 2007.
U.S. Department of Justice documents show bin Suleiman, head of the Taliban-contracted DP World, exchanged emails with Epstein for years, continuing after Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex trafficking and child abuse, up until less than a year before Epstein's 2019 suicide. Bin Suleiman has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing.
On December 6, 2025, DP World's representative signed an "investment conditional agreement" with the Taliban's Ministry of Finance in the office of Abdul Ghani Baradar, the economic deputy. Abdullah Azzam, head of Baradar's office, stated the deal would develop Afghanistan's Hairatan port in the north and Torkham crossing in the east. The Taliban has not released legal details or transparent information on the contracts, and the Ministry of Finance issued no official statement.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
More in Economy
Ministry Monitors Water Release and Distribution at Salma Dam
Trial 5G Telecom Services Launched in Kabul
Russia to Remain in OPEC+ Following UAE Withdrawal, Officials Say
Ministry of Public Works Reports Over 873,000 Metric Tons of Cargo Moved via Rail Last Month
ReliableMinistry Monitors Water Release and Distribution at Salma Dam
The Ministry of Water and Energy is monitoring the distribution of water released from the Salma Dam on April 24 and providing farmers with guidance to ensure equitable allocation and prevent waste.
ReliableTrial 5G Telecom Services Launched in Kabul
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched a trial of fifth-generation telecom services in Kabul, with officials meeting telecom executives to discuss expanding coverage and improving network quality nationwide.
ReliableRussia to Remain in OPEC+ Following UAE Withdrawal, Officials Say
Russia confirmed it will remain in OPEC+ after the UAE announced its withdrawal, with officials warning the move could disrupt production coordination and increase market volatility. Moscow emphasized its commitment to stabilizing global oil markets and maintaining energy dialogue with Abu Dhabi.
ReliableMinistry of Public Works Reports Over 873,000 Metric Tons of Cargo Moved via Rail Last Month
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works reported that nearly 874,000 metric tons of cargo, including over 9,200 tons of exports, were transported via four railway border crossings last month. Officials stated that ongoing infrastructure improvements aim to boost trade volumes and strengthen economic stability.