Documents reveal Epstein's role in transferring Israeli security technologies from Gaza to Nigeria for the UAE

Recent documents from the files of the late American businessman Jeffrey Epstein have revealed a pivotal role he played in mediating major infrastructure deals for 'DP World' in Nigeria. Correspondence dating back to 2018 shows Epstein's efforts to grant the Emirati company direct influence in strategic West African ports before his death in prison in 2019.

The correspondence, recently published by the US Department of Justice, clarified that Epstein facilitated communication channels between the former head of Nigeria's sovereign wealth fund, Gideon Zeitlin, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, then chairman of DP World. These discussions aimed to establish and operate vital shipping terminals in the Nigerian regions of Lagos and Badagry.

The revelation of these documents coincides with bin Sulayem's dismissal from his position a few days prior, following reports confirming his strong relationship with Epstein. The Emirati company's management insisted on full control over the ports as a condition for investment, a hurdle it had faced since its first attempts to enter the Nigerian market in 2005.

Epstein's role was not limited to commercial mediation; he also worked to involve influential American figures to facilitate political and financial arrangements. Among these figures was Kathryn Ruemmler, former legal counsel in the Obama administration, who recently resigned from her senior position at 'Goldman Sachs'.

The documents indicate that the economic trajectory of the ports was closely linked to security and intelligence cooperation. Epstein's relationship with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak extended for over a decade and included investments in cybersecurity and Israeli military industries targeting the African market.

In 2014, with rising security unrest in Nigeria, Ehud Barak introduced Israeli security companies to the Nigerian government under the banner of counter-terrorism. Barak leveraged his international network to promote technologies described as 'field-tested,' a clear reference to their use against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Among the most prominent technologies transferred to Nigeria was the 'Basel' biometric system, the same system used by the occupation at the Erez crossing to regulate the passage of Palestinian workers. This system relies on advanced facial recognition and hand measurement technologies and was marketed as an effective security solution for Nigerian facilities.

Barak and his partner Gary Fegel invested millions of dollars in 'FST Biometrics,' a company specializing in facial recognition systems, founded by a former head of Israeli military intelligence. Pilot projects for these technologies were launched in Nigerian universities to monitor dormitories and classrooms under the pretext of security.

Financial records show that Epstein provided a $1 million loan to Barak for investment in the 'Reporty Homeland Security' emergency response platform. These security partnerships were not merely fleeting investments but aimed to open doors for political and economic influence in vital sectors such as oil.

In 2013, Epstein helped Barak propose joint projects with international businessmen to enhance Israel's presence in Africa. Barak traveled to Nigeria to attend undeclared security conferences where he met with senior military and political leaders to pave the way for these investments.

Security cooperation resulted in the installation of a $40 million internet surveillance system produced by the Israeli company 'Elbit' in Nigeria. Despite parliamentary controversy sparked by the project, relations continued to expand to include World Bank-backed partnerships for developing cyber infrastructure.

DP World's interests once again intersected with this security network, as Epstein's relationship with bin Sulayem helped set the stage for major economic agreements. These moves preceded the signing of the 'Abraham Accords' in 2020 by years, indicating long-term strategic coordination.

After official normalization, the Emirati company attempted to acquire the Israeli port of Haifa, linked to gas fields in the Mediterranean. Although it did not win the deal, the documents confirm that economic rapprochement between Dubai and Tel Aviv was proceeding on parallel tracks involving security, energy, and ports.

These leaks prove that the Epstein and Barak network acted as a bridge for transferring Israeli repressive expertise from the occupied territories to the African continent. Thus, technologies used in the siege of Gaza became a commercial commodity used to enhance the influence of regional companies in emerging markets.

I hope your friend's visit to Tel Aviv is more effective than his efforts in Africa.