New Epstein Emails Reveal Secret Surveillance Plot Involving Top Wall Street Lawyer

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Newly Released Emails Show Brad Karp and Jeffrey Epstein Discussed Surveillance Efforts in Leon Black Dispute

Newly disclosed Justice Department records reveal that prominent Wall Street attorney Brad Karp and Jeffrey Epstein exchanged detailed communications regarding surveillance of a woman involved in a legal dispute with billionaire investor Leon Black.

Before stepping down as chairman of the elite law firm Paul Weiss, Karp had acknowledged interacting with Epstein to address fee-related disagreements on behalf of Black, the former CEO of Apollo Global Management. However, the newly released emails indicate their discussions extended further — including strategy conversations about handling a woman who allegedly demanded $100 million from Black.

According to the documents, Epstein and Karp discussed professional surveillance, secret recordings, and the possibility of involving law enforcement in what Epstein described as an attempted “extortion.” In one email filled with typographical errors, Epstein suggested contacting authorities sooner rather than later, advising Karp to decide whether to approach the FBI or the New York Police Department.

The woman referenced in the communications was identified only as “GG.” Sources familiar with the matter confirmed the initials referred to Guzel Ganieva, who was previously involved in a personal relationship with Black.

The emails show Karp agreeing with Epstein’s recommendation to hire the investigative firm Nardello & Co. to conduct surveillance on Ganieva for an extended period in 2015. A spokesperson for Nardello confirmed the firm worked on the matter at the request of Black’s legal counsel but stated that its representatives had no direct contact with Epstein and were unaware that any of their work was being shared with him.

Correspondence indicates that Karp provided Epstein with updates on Ganieva’s movements, including her stay at a Manhattan apartment and her departure to JFK Airport. In one exchange, Karp mentioned having obtained license plate information connected to her transportation. He also informed Epstein about transcripts of a meeting between Ganieva and their client at the Four Seasons restaurant, noting the transcript would be shared once finalized.

At the time, Black was ending an extramarital relationship with Ganieva. In a 2022 lawsuit filed by Black, he claimed Ganieva demanded $100 million during a 2015 meeting and accused her of participating in an extortion scheme involving her legal team and business rivals. That lawsuit was later dismissed by a judge, who characterized its claims as lacking specificity.

Ganieva, in her own legal action, alleged that Black subjected her to violent sexual encounters while promising career and educational support. A judge dismissed her claims as well, citing a nondisclosure agreement that barred her from proceeding with the case.

The Justice Department files further show that Nardello provided transcripts of recorded conversations between Ganieva and an individual identified as “John Doe,” believed to be Black. Those transcripts included discussions about their past relationship and alleged financial requests. In one exchange, Ganieva reportedly stated that the dispute was about respect rather than money, while “John Doe” referenced alleged demands for large sums.

Emails also reveal that Epstein encouraged Karp and another Paul Weiss attorney, Lorin Reisner, to consider having Ganieva arrested and potentially deported. Epstein warned that filing an extortion claim after she initiated legal action might appear retaliatory and could be perceived as intimidation by a powerful individual.

Karp responded by indicating he would consult with Reisner, who had previously led the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

The fallout from the release of the Epstein-related records has been significant. Karp resigned as chairman of Paul Weiss and stepped down from the board of Union College, his alma mater. Earlier disclosures also revealed that he had advised Epstein during prior legal disputes involving women.

Leon Black’s long-standing association with Epstein previously led to his resignation from Apollo in 2021. An internal review later concluded that Black had paid Epstein substantial sums for financial advice but ended the relationship in 2018 following a fee dispute.

The newly surfaced communications add another layer to the complex network of legal, financial, and personal relationships that have continued to draw scrutiny years after Epstein’s death. While no new criminal charges have emerged from these latest disclosures, the emails provide rare insight into the strategies and private discussions that unfolded behind the scenes during one of Wall Street’s most controversial legal battles.