Epstein Files Name Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Network of Contacts
The latest release of documents related too convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein reveals the extent of his sprawling network, including references to former Australian Prime minister Kevin Rudd. While no direct contact between Rudd and Epstein has been established, the files show attempts by third parties to connect the two, shedding light on how Epstein cultivated relationships with individuals in positions of power.
the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) released millions of pages of documents on Friday, local time, as part of a court-ordered disclosure of the so-called “Epstein files.” It’s crucial to note that appearing in these documents does not imply any wrongdoing, nor does it confirm any personal interaction with Epstein.
According to a statement provided to the ABC by Dr. Rudd’s office, the former Prime Minister never met Epstein. “No introduction ever took place, and there is no evidence of any direct contact between Jeffrey Epstein and either Dr. Rudd or his office,” the statement read.
However,emails within the released files indicate Epstein’s interest in including Rudd in social gatherings. One email regarding catering stated: “also non vegetarin food, as now kevin rudd is also coming.”
It remains unclear whether Epstein was personally familiar with Rudd at the time, but his former position was considered relevant details.Another email, dated June 7, 2014, sent by Epstein to former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers, included a misspelled reference to Rudd – “Keying Rudd” – among a list of invitees to a gathering. The email also mentioned other high-profile individuals, including former Israeli PM Ehud Barak, veteran Indian politician Hardeep Singh Puri, actor Woody Allen, and Ito.
An email from Epstein’s assistant,Lesley groff,references “Kevin Rudd” in a meeting scheduled for Sunday,June 8,though provides no further details.
Connections Through the International Peace Institute
Further correspondence reveals a connection through the International Peace Institute (IPI). In February 2016, former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland emailed Epstein, mentioning that rudd “just left my house” after dinner. Dr. Rudd’s office confirmed the dinner in Strasbourg but stated the reference to them being “a friend of both of us” was likely based solely on their shared involvement with the IPI.
Epstein also appears to have been attempting to leverage Rudd’s political standing in 2014,as evidenced by an email to Terje Rød-Larsen on June 27,2013. At the time, Rudd was in his second stint as PM.Epstein wrote, “rudd will only be in power a few months, do not wait,” to which Rød-Larsen replied, “I know!”
The connection to Rød-Larsen became more scrutinized in 2020 when reports surfaced alleging he had received a personal loan from Epstein. Both Rudd and Rød-Larsen held senior positions at the IPI at that time. Reports indicated Epstein had donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the think tank between 2011 and 2019.Following the emergence of the loan information, Dr. Rudd initiated the resignation of the IPI’s CEO and commissioned a forensic audit of the institution’s finances.
“at Dr.Rudd’s initiative, the Board commissioned a forensic audit of IPI’s finances by KPMG to remove the possibility of any further donations or irregularities,” his office stated. Dr. Rudd previously described Epstein as an “odious character in the extreme” and stated he convened board meetings to take “immediate” action upon learning of the connection.
Epstein’s History and the Context of the Files
Epstein was initially convicted in 2008 of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution, serving approximately 13 months in prison. He was later arrested in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges but died by suicide while in jail later that year.
The release of these documents provides a glimpse into the breadth of Epstein’s network and the efforts made to connect him with influential figures. While the files do not indicate any direct interaction between Rudd and Epstein, they underscore the importance of continued scrutiny as more information comes to light.
