Ghislaine Maxwell friend named in Epstein files found dead by "suicide" - Newsweek

A former Russian senator who appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files and reportedly called Ghislaine Maxwell a “friend” has been found dead in Moscow, Russian state media has reported.

Umar Dzhabrailov, 67, was discovered in a residential complex in the center of the capital on Monday with a gun next to him after what unnamed law enforcement agencies called a "suicide," TASS reported.

Why It Matters

Umar Dzhabrailov’s name surfaced in the recently released Epstein files due to 2001 emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, drawing renewed attention to his connections—he previously had to comment on his friendship with Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Being named in the files is not evidence of wrongdoing, but the finding has intensified scrutiny of prominent figures mentioned in the documents.

When American businessman Paul Tatum was shot dead in Moscow in 1996, the case drew international attention to the risks facing foreign investors in Russia. Law enforcement said "there is no criminal element" in the Dzhabrailov death.

What To Know

TASS reported that Dzhabrailov was taken to the hospital but was unable to be saved before he died. Dzhabrailov was hospitalized following a suicide attempt in 2020, according to the agency.

Files released by the U.S. Justice Department show Dzhabrailov wrote to Maxwell in May 2001: "Dear Ghislaine,I'm back from London,planing 2 B in Moscow.Really want 2 C U,but I need 2 know exactly when U arive,cause I want 2 take care of U and arrange welcoming things.Wishing U all the best! Umar."

Maxwell replied the following day: "Umar Sorry that we did not come last week. Got side tracked and ended up in France," adding that she planned a trip to Moscow soon and asking, "Will you be around and can we get together?"

British socialite Maxwell is confined to prison in the U.S. after being convicted of helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls.

Being named in the Epstein files is not a sign of wrongdoing or association with Epstein's crimes.

Dzhabrailov, who ran for the Russian presidency in 2000, said of the correspondence, "We were social friends and vacationed together in various parts of Europe," Russian Telegram channel Baza, known for its links to Russian law enforcement, reported on February 2 in quotes carried by Russian news outlet NEWS.Ru. "That's all. A friendly message from an acquaintance I was friends with back then."

Dzhabrailov, who was arrested in 2017 after firing a decorative pistol at Moscow’s Four Seasons Hotel, also spoke out after being questioned about his friendship with Sean "Diddy" Combs in November 2024. He said in a Telegram post that he became friends with Combs, along with Beyonce and Jay Z, at the Cannes Festival.

"As it happened, my yacht was docked next to theirs. We became friends and later began attending various events together," he said, according to an AI translation of his post.

"There were no 'oil parties' or any other shady stuff," he said, referencing the allegations against Combs.

What People Are Saying

A law enforcement agency source quoted by TASS said: "An investigation is being conducted into the incident. There is no criminal element. The reasons for the suicide are being examined."

Dzhabrailov said about his friendship with Combs: "Despite all the scandals and rumors currently being discussed in the media, I didn’t notice anything bad during the time we interacted. I saw in them not only stars, but true professionals in their field — creative, talented, and high-energy people!"

What Happens Next

Russian authorities will continue reviewing the circumstances of Dzhabrailov’s death, with investigators examining the reasons for the apparent suicide and stating there is no sign of foul play, according to TASS.

Further analysis of the Epstein files will likely prompt additional reporting on individuals named in the documents, and any new official statements from Russian investigators or Dzhabrailov’s associates will clarify the timeline and findings in the case.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org