An investigation by Drop Site News claims that convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak worked together for over a decade to market Israeli surveillance technology in Nigeria, using security concerns to gain access to oil and logistics opportunities.
The report, based on emails released by the United States Department of Justice, alleges that the duo leveraged instability in West Africa, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency, to promote “field-proven” security systems to Nigerian officials.
In a 2014 email referenced in the report, Epstein wrote to Barak about unrest in Syria, Libya and Somalia:
“Isn't this perfect for you”.
Barak replied: “You're right in a way. But not simple to transform it into a cash flow.”
Surveillance Tech ‘Field-Proven' in Palestinian Territories
According to the investigation, Israeli firms described their systems as “field-proven” — a term referring to technologies used in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In 2015, Barak and a partner reportedly invested $15 million in FST Biometrics, founded by former Israeli military intelligence chief Aharon Ze'evi Farkash. Its biometric system, Basel, was initially tested at the Erez crossing between Israel and Gaza.
The report states that similar surveillance tools were later sold to Babcock University in Nigeria under the banner of counterterrorism. A press release at the time said the technology would “filter away all unwanted persons.”
By 2020, the World Bank had engaged the Israel National Cyber Directorate and a startup co-founded by Barak to help shape Nigeria's cyber infrastructure, according to the report.
Oil, Ports and Commercial Interests
The investigation suggests that security cooperation opened doors to broader commercial ventures, including energy and port projects.
Epstein allegedly facilitated discussions for DP World, aiming to secure port assets in Lagos and Badagry.
The developments come days after Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem stepped down as chairman of DP World on February 13, following scrutiny over his ties to Epstein.
In a September 2018 email cited in the report, Jide Zeitlin, then chair of Nigeria's sovereign investment fund, wrote to Epstein:
“I hope your pal's sojourn in Tel Aviv … was more effective than his efforts on the African continent.”
The message reportedly referred to diplomatic efforts between Israel and the United Arab Emirates years before the Abraham Accords.
ALSO READ: 'Jeffrey Epstein Likely Died Due To Strangulation, Not By Hanging', Says Doctor Who Observed Autopsy
Access to Nigerian Leadership
The documents suggest Barak secured high-level access in Nigeria. In 2013, he attended a cybersecurity conference in Abuja that organisers reportedly described as a cover to arrange meetings with then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
One organiser wrote: “The dinner is one other excellent way … to meet with good Friends of Israel and make new friends for Israel as well.”
Following those engagements, Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems proceeded with an internet surveillance project in Nigeria, despite reported opposition from lawmakers.
Epstein's Wider Links
The report comes amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein's global connections following the release of additional documents detailing his interactions with political and business figures.
Barak, who served as Israel's prime minister from 1999 to 2001, has previously expressed regret over his association with Epstein. Although Epstein was convicted in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution, Barak has maintained that he was unaware of the full scope of Epstein's crimes until investigations widened in 2019.
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