Report alleges Epstein, ex-Israeli PM Barak exploited B0k0 Hârām crisis to market spy technology in Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

New details have surfaced alleging that convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak exploited Nigeria’s Boko Haram insurgency to promote surveillance technology and gain entry into key economic sectors.

The claims are contained in an investigation by Drop Site News (DSN). The outlet relied on emails released by the United States Department of Justice. The report alleged that both men saw Nigeria’s worsening insecurity as a commercial opening rather than a humanitarian concern.

Al Jazeera also cited the investigation. It reported that while Nigeria battled Boko Haram, Epstein and Barak marketed Israeli “field-proven” security systems to Nigerian authorities. The term refers to technologies tested in conflict zones, particularly in Palestinian territories.

One 2014 email referenced unrest across the Middle East and Africa, including Nigeria. Epstein wrote to Barak, saying, “isn’t this perfect for you.” Barak reportedly responded, “You’re right in a way. But not simple to transform it into a cash flow.”

Biometric Technology Promoted As Counterterrorism Measure

The investigation linked Barak to Israeli intelligence-connected technology firms whose products later reached Nigeria.

In 2015, Barak and a partner invested $15 million in FST Biometrics. The company was founded by former Israeli military intelligence chief Aharon Ze’evi Farkash. It developed a biometric platform known as Basel. The system was first tested at the Beit Hanoon (Erez) crossing between Israel and Gaza to monitor movement.

As Boko Haram violence intensified, Barak allegedly helped facilitate the sale of similar biometric systems to Babcock University in Nigeria. The initiative was framed as a counterterrorism project. Promotional materials at the time said the system would “filter away all unwanted persons.”

The report added that such deals opened doors for wider Israeli cyber-security involvement in Nigeria. By 2020, DSN stated that the World Bank had engaged the Israel National Cyber Directorate and a startup linked to Barak to support Nigeria’s national cyber infrastructure planning.

Security Deals Linked To Oil, Maritime Interests

Documents cited in the investigation suggested that security partnerships also created business pathways into Nigeria’s oil and port sectors.

Epstein allegedly arranged high-level meetings on behalf of DP World, the Dubai logistics firm. The talks focused on potential acquisition of strategic port assets in Lagos and Badagry.

In 2018, he reportedly connected Jide Zeitlin, then chairman of Nigeria’s sovereign investment authority, with DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. Emails indicated that Epstein tried to manage U.S. sanctions concerns involving figures in Nigeria’s mining industry to advance negotiations.

One September 2018 message quoted Zeitlin as telling Epstein: “I hope your pal’s sojourn in Tel Aviv … was more effective than his efforts on the African continent.”

According to the investigation, Bin Sulayem stepped down as DP World chairman on February 13 amid renewed scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein.

Political Access In Nigeria

The emails also pointed to high-level political access secured by Epstein and Barak in Nigeria.

In 2013, Barak attended a cybersecurity conference in Abuja. Organisers privately described the event as an opportunity to arrange meetings with then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Correspondence cited in the report quoted an organiser saying, “The dinner is one other excellent way … to meet with good Friends of Israel and make new friends for Israel as well.”

Following those contacts, Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems went ahead with an internet surveillance project in Nigeria despite objections from some lawmakers.

The documents also showed Epstein advising Barak on business strategy. After Barak shared information about a proposed oil transaction, Epstein cautioned him: “I told you on the phone before sending or asking anyone about it you should do your own homework.”

Wider Document Release

The revelations form part of a broader disclosure of millions of files detailing Epstein’s global relationships with political figures, financiers and intelligence-linked actors.

The investigation reported that Epstein funded Israeli groups such as Friends of the Israeli Army and the Jewish National Fund. It also alleged links with individuals connected to Israeli intelligence circles.

Barak, who served as Israel’s prime minister from 1999 to 2001, has previously expressed regret over his association with Epstein. Epstein was convicted in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution and served about a year in prison. Barak maintained ties with him for years afterward. He later said he did not know the full extent of Epstein’s crimes until 2019.