The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced Thursday that it has launched an independent investigation into past interactions between its CEO, Børge Brende, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following disclosures contained in recently released U.S. Justice Department documents.

In a statement, the Geneva-based organization, best known for hosting the annual Davos summit, said its Governing Board directed the Audit and Risk Committee to examine the matter after the DOJ materials revealed that Brende had attended three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged limited email and text communications.

“In light of these interactions, the Governing Board requested the Audit and Risk Committee to look into the matter, which subsequently decided to initiate an independent review,” the WEF said. “This decision underscores the Forum’s commitment to transparency and maintaining its integrity.”

Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister who has served as WEF president and CEO since 2017, said he fully supports the investigation and personally requested the review. He will remain in his role while outside legal counsel conducts the probe.

According to Brende, his first encounter with Epstein occurred in 2018 at a New York dinner hosted by former Norwegian Deputy Prime Minister Terje Rød-Larsen. He said he attended two additional dinners in 2019 with Epstein and other diplomats and business leaders, along with exchanging “a few emails and SMS messages,” which he described as the full extent of their contact.

“I was completely unaware of Epstein’s past and criminal activities,” Brende said, adding that he regrets not conducting more thorough due diligence at the time. “Had I known about his background, I would have declined the initial invitation to join Rød-Larsen and any subsequent dinner invitations or other communications.”

The decision to launch an independent review comes as renewed scrutiny continues over Epstein’s extensive ties to powerful political, business, and global institutions following the latest DOJ document releases. While the WEF said the probe reflects its commitment to accountability, critics have questioned whether internal reviews can fully address concerns surrounding elite networks and Epstein’s access to influential figures.

No timeline has been announced for the conclusion of the investigation, and Brende’s leadership of the organization will continue uninterrupted during the review.