World Economic Forum investigates its CEO over Epstein links

World Economic Forum investigates its CEO over Epstein links

On February 5, 2026, the World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the launch of an independent investigation into its president and chief executive officer, Borge Brende, regarding his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The inquiry follows newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice showing Brende attended multiple dinners with Epstein in 2018 and 2019 and exchanged emails and text messages with him. ([turn0news34])

Brende, who has served as CEO of the World Economic Forum since 2017 and previously held the position of Norway’s foreign minister, stated he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal past at the time of the meetings. WEF said the investigation reflects its commitment to transparency and integrity, and that Brende is cooperating with the review and continues in his current role during the process. ([turn0news34])

The Justice Department’s release of Epstein‑related files was mandated under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, leading to public scrutiny of the personal and professional networks of individuals who interacted with Epstein. The WEF investigation is one of multiple institutional responses to the disclosures. ([turn0news34])