World Economic Forum Questions CEO Borge Brende Regarding Connections to Jeffrey Epstein
WEF has initiated an independent investigation following revelations that CEO Borge Brende hosted dinners and communicated with Jeffrey Epstein.
The World Economic Forum announced on Thursday that it has initiated an independent investigation into its CEO, Borge Brende, to examine his connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The organization based in Geneva that coordinates the annual Davos summit announced it is examining disclosures from the US Justice Department, which reveal that Brende participated in three business dinners with Epstein and also communicated with him via email and text messages.
“Following these interactions, the Governing Board asked the Audit and Risk Committee to investigate the issue, which then chose to commence an independent review,” the WEF stated in a release.
“This decision highlights the Forum’s dedication to transparency and upholding its integrity,” it added.
The WEF stated that Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister and CEO since 2017, is fully supportive of the investigation, which he personally initiated.
Brende stated that he first encountered Epstein in 2018 during a dinner in New York, having been invited by former Norwegian Deputy Prime Minister Terje Rod Larsen.
Brende mentioned that he subsequently participated in two similar dinners in 2019 with Epstein, alongside diplomats and business leaders. He noted that these gatherings, along with “a few emails and SMS messages,” constituted the entirety of their interaction.
“I had no knowledge of Epstein’s history and criminal actions,” Brende stated, expressing his regret for not conducting more comprehensive checks prior to their meeting.
“If I had been aware of his background, I would have turned down the original invitation to join Rod Larsen, as well as any later dinner invitations or other forms of communication,” he stated.
The WEF announced that Brende will maintain his role as CEO while external legal counsel carries out the independent investigation.
