In April 2011, Martin Davis, a professor at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, received an inquiry regarding prospective student Korina Shuliak. The email, sent by an assistant to Jeffrey Epstein, stated that “Jeffrey’s friend, Korina, is considering dental school” and requested a tour of the facilities the following day.
Just over a year later, Shuliak was admitted to Columbia’s dental program as a transfer student, despite not completing her dental degree at a college in Belarus. Documents and emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice reveal Epstein personally funded Shuliak’s tuition and made at least $50,000 in donations to Columbia in her name.
The circumstances surrounding Shuliak’s admission and Epstein’s financial contributions are drawing renewed scrutiny following the release of court documents related to Epstein’s estate and allegations of sex trafficking. Epstein’s death in August 2019 while in federal custody awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges has led to ongoing legal battles over his assets and the claims of numerous victims.
According to a report by Bloomberg, the donations to Columbia were made during a period when Epstein was actively seeking to cultivate relationships and influence within elite institutions. The extent of Epstein’s involvement in securing Shuliak’s admission, and whether any other individuals were involved, remains unclear.
Court filings related to Epstein’s will, as reported by the Times of India, detail the complex web of beneficiaries and the ongoing efforts to compensate victims. The details of Shuliak’s acceptance and funding have emerged as part of the broader examination of Epstein’s network and his alleged exploitation of power and influence.
Columbia University has not yet publicly commented on the specifics of Epstein’s donations or the process surrounding Shuliak’s admission. The university’s admissions policies and procedures are currently under review in light of the revelations surrounding Epstein’s activities.