WEF probes Børge Brende's ties to Jeffrey Epstein in new independent review

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has launched an independent review into its managing director, Børge Brende, following concerns over his past meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation comes after the WEF's board of trustees requested a closer look at Brende's interactions with Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges.

Børge Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister who has led the WEF since 2017, attended three business dinners with Epstein. One of these took place in New York in 2018, where other leaders were also present. After the meetings, Brende exchanged emails and text messages with Epstein.

Brende has stated he was unaware of Epstein's criminal history at the time. Epstein had pleaded guilty to child prostitution charges in 2008 and was later arrested again on sex trafficking allegations before his death. Brende admitted he should have conducted a more thorough background check and expressed regret for not doing so.

The WEF's Audit and Risk Committee initiated the review, though no findings or recommendations have been released as of February 2026. Brende will remain in his role but will not take part in the investigation process.

The outcome of the review could impact the WEF's future operations, particularly in areas of transparency and leadership integrity. It may also influence the organisation's reputation amid ongoing disputes involving its founder, Klaus Schwab.

The independent investigation continues without a set timeline for its conclusions. Brende's position at the WEF remains unchanged for now, but the review's findings could lead to changes in how the organisation handles leadership accountability. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of high-profile connections to Epstein, whose crimes continue to affect institutions years after his death.