Borge Brende claims to be ‘unaware’ of Epstein’s criminal history.

On Thursday, World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende announced his resignation after it was revealed he held meetings and communicated with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on several occasions.

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The international organization confirmed his departure after more than eight years in the position and appointed board member Alois Zwinggi as interim president and CEO during the transition. The Board of Directors will oversee the process of appointing a permanent successor.

According to the files released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Brende had three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged messages. However, he claimed to be “unaware” of Epstein’s criminal history, and admitted he should have been “better informed.”

The first meeting between Brende and Epstein took place in 2018, at the invitation of former Norwegian Deputy Prime Minister Terje Rod-Larsen, ten years after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

Brende had held the positions of WEF president and CEO following the departure of Klaus Schwab, who founded the organization and with whom he had shared responsibilities between 2017 and 2025.

In his farewell address, Brende highlighted the “record number” of new members to the WEF and the strengthened cooperation with global leaders, particularly through the annual meeting held in Davos.

The former Norwegian CEO indicated that it is the right time for the WEF to continue its work “without distractions,” and emphasized the importance of preserving the “credibility” of the international institution.

teleSUR: JP

Source: EFE

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