Newly leaked emails have uncovered a far deeper relationship between former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein than previously known, revealing years of close collaboration, frequent communication, and numerous business dealings spanning technology, energy, and global political networking.
The documents—released by Distributed Denial of Secrets after being obtained by the hacktivist collective Handala—show that between 2013 and 2016, Epstein acted as Barak’s financial adviser, connector, informal strategist, and personal associate, despite Epstein’s earlier criminal conviction.
Business Deals, High-Tech Ventures, and Financial Consulting
While Barak had already acknowledged limited business ties with Epstein through an Israeli emergency-services startup, the emails illustrate a much broader set of proposals and collaborations.
1. High-Tech Drone Investment
Barak sought Epstein’s guidance on a potential investment in the Israeli company Light & Strong, which was working on solar-powered HALE drones under a project named Sun Spark.
Although Barak was invited to join the company’s leadership and invest up to $1 million, Epstein advised him to steer clear after reviewing financial statements, calling the proposal financially unsound.
2. Negotiations Over a US Oil Empire
Barak also engaged Epstein while exploring a massive deal involving Denver billionaire Jack Grynberg, who wanted to sell stakes in his oil and gas company, Gadeco LLC, for up to $1.6 billion.
Barak attempted to broker the sale to international investors, including:
- China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)
- Russian-Israeli billionaire Viktor Vekselberg
- A China-based investment consortium
Epstein ultimately urged Barak to abandon the deal, warning that Grynberg’s assets were unreliable and could bring reputational risk. Negotiations soon fell apart.
3. Consulting Fees and Retainers
Emails show Epstein proposing substantial compensation for his services, including a $2 million annual retainer plus a percentage of profits. Epstein said he had already received at least $5 million for prior work.
Political Networking and Global Influence Channels
The leaked correspondence also reveals Epstein’s involvement in connecting Barak with high-profile global figures across technology, politics, academia, and finance.
The two discussed outreach to:
- Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy
- Former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen
- Former Harvard President Larry Summers
- NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg
- Tech investor Peter Thiel
- Philosopher Noam Chomsky
- Film director Woody Allen
One confirmed meeting included a 2013 visit to Moscow, where Barak met Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to earlier reporting, Barak attempted—unsuccessfully—to persuade Putin to withdraw support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Advising on Biotech and Philanthropic Investment
Epstein also facilitated Barak’s meeting with biotech investor Boris Nikolic, then a senior adviser at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Barak hoped to secure foundation interest in Israeli startup Parasight (later Sight Diagnostics), which developed rapid malaria-testing technology.
Ultimately, the foundation declined involvement.
Personal Friendship and Frequent Correspondence
Beyond business matters, the emails highlight a personal friendship between Barak and Epstein:
- The two exchanged holiday greetings and condolences.
- Epstein allowed Barak to use a New York apartment to work on his autobiography.
- Barak and his wife planned visits to Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean, including a 2014 trip.
- Epstein arranged minor personal conveniences—such as delivering a piano to Barak’s temporary residence.
Although Barak later insisted he was never involved in Epstein’s misconduct or social activities, the correspondence shows a level of closeness that extended beyond simple business interactions.
Responding to Questions About Epstein’s Misconduct
In 2015, a UK newspaper contacted Barak to ask whether he knew about Epstein’s abuse allegations. Barak, through his lawyers, denied any awareness of wrongdoing.
Impact on Barak’s Political Career
When Epstein was arrested again in 2019, Barak publicly stated he had severed all ties with him.
At the time, Barak was attempting a political comeback as part of Israel’s Democratic Union coalition. The renewed scrutiny over his long relationship with Epstein overshadowed his campaign, and the alliance ultimately failed to win enough votes for him to return to the Knesset.
Epstein died later that year while in federal custody, and Barak’s political resurgence never materialized.
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